Vitellius – Hand-Struck Silver Denarius Replica

Some of the best Roman engravers worked at the Rome Mint from the late reign of Nero to the early reign of Vespasian. Apparently their ranks were thinned by the Civil Wars of 69 A.D., because the bronze coinage of Vespasian is, by comparison, pedestrian in style.

Vitellius (Aulus), the son of Lucius Vitellius was born in A.D. 15 and passed his early life at Capri with Tiberius, and was a favorite with Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. He was elected Consul in A.D. 48, and was Proconsul of Africa for a year. In A.D. 68 he was sent by Galba to Germany, and soon after, revolting against him, was proclaimed Emperor by the soldiers. Otho had in the meantime been elected Emperor at Rome, but was defeated by Vitellius in A.D. 69 at Bedriacum. He did not however, long enjoy the supreme power, for his gluttony and prodigality were so disgraceful that Vespasian who was in command of the war against the Jews, was persuaded to allow himself to be elected Emperor. Thus after a reign of about eight months, Vitellius was captured at Rome by the soldiers of Vespasian and ignominiously killed at the Gemoniae Scalae.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Laureate head of Vitellius, right
Legend:
A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P

Reverse side
Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopiae
Legend:
CONCORDIA AVG

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.