CHAPTER THREE

THE CIVIL WAR OF A.D. 68ñ69

Civil War Coinages, A.D. 68ñ69

The series of coins collectively known as ëCivil Warí issues is distinguished from most Roman coins in that they do not name or portray any of the emperors or rebels participating in the Civil War of 68ñ69. Most of these coins were struck in Spain, Gaul and (seemingly) Northern Italy, but some types also appear to have been struck in North Africa and along the northernmost stretch of the Rhine. The large number of types, paucity of die links and a ërestorationí of one type almost four decades later by the emperor Trajan assures us that the series was quite large. Despite this, few examples survive. In this book the anonymous issues are divided into four categories: issues for Galba, for Vitellius, for Vindex and for Julius Civilis. The former two are listed below, the latter two under their own separate headings.

Only aurei and denarii were struck, with the silver often being fourré (silver plated). Most of the Spainish-mint pieces were probably struck for Galba, and they tend to celebrate the glory of Rome and of the Augustan age. Indeed, some are direct copies of Augustan coins. Not only does the historical circumstance of Galbaís uprising support the prospect of his striking large quantities of these coins in Spain, but many of the types are similar to his portrait issues. Furthermore, his facial features can be seen in the portrait of Divus Augustus which appears on some of the Spanish-mint pieces. The Gallic-mint pieces generally are more revolutionary in character, with most being struck for Vindex and others seemingly for Galba and Vitellius. Vindex no doubt struck most of the Gallic-mint issues to pay his enormous army, which Plutarch informs us numbered 100,000. The prodigious issues struck in the name of Divus Augustus in Spain and Gaul may be distinguished from their antique prototypes not only by stylistic and epigraphic differences but also by their lower weights (for most were struck to the post-reform Neronian standard).

In addition to the issues attribued to Galba and Vindex (both in 68) there seem to be two other series ó one attributed to Vitellius (69) and another to the separatist rebel Julius Civilis (late 69 to late 70). Many of the Vitellian issues (often called ëMilitary Issuesí) call for unity between the legions and the praetorians. Since the German legions supported Vitellius and the praetorians opposed him, these coins would have had good propaganda as the Vitellian legions marched from the Rhine to the Tiber. More thorough descriptions and discussions of all of these coinages are given in volume I of RIC (pp. 197ñ215) and in R-H. Martinís Die anonymen Münzen des Jahres 68 nach Christus (Mainz, 1974). It is also worth noting that outside of the main theater of warfare (Italy and points west), mints continued to strike coins óusually in the names of the successive emperors, but sometimes without the name or portrait of an Imperial personage. A sampling of these is also provided.

The four categories:

ïAnonymous issues for Galba. Most presumably were struck at Tarraco from April to June/July, 68. Some Gallic (Narbo?) and North African (Carthage) coins seemingly also were struck for Galba.

ïAnonymous issues for Vindex (from Vienne and/or Nemausus(?), March to May, 68) (see nos. 772ñ781).

ïAnonymous ëmilitary issuesí for Vitellius. Some may have been struck in Southern Gaul by his commander Fabius Valens before the First Battle of Bedriacum (at which Othoís armies were defeated in mid-April, 69), but most, perhaps, were struck in Northern Italy after that battle when the combined Vitellian forces marched on Rome (arriving in July, 69).

ïAnonymous German-mint issues for the nationalist uprising of Julius Civilis from late 69 to late 70. The mint(s) are uncertain, but they must have been in Germania Inferior and/or the northernmost part of Germania Superior (see nos. 877ñ891).

Civil War (Anonymous Coinage)

F

VF

EF

SPANISH ISSUES (For Galba, April to June/July, 68)

751

AV Aureus obv BON EVENT, bare hd. r. of female rev ROM RENASC, Roma stg. r. hldg. Victory and spear surmounted by eagle. RIC 8.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

752

ó obv DIVVS AVGVSTVS, rad. hd. r. of Augustus rev PAX, Pax stg. 1., hldg. grain ears and poppies, and pointing downward with caduceus. RIC 3.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

753

ó obv As prev. rev HISPANIA, Hispania, shield slung onto back, hldg. two spears and ears of barley. RIC 112. Note: The features of Galba are often incorporated into the portrait.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

754

ó obv LIBERTAS RESTITVTA, bare hd. r. of Lib-ertas rev SPQR on round shield in oak wreath. RIC 26.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

755

AR Denarius Sim. to 751, though sometimes with expanded inscrs. RIC 9,11.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ3000

756

ó obv CONCORDIA HISPANIARVM ET GAL-LIARVM, confr. busts of Hispania, at 1. above cornucopia, and Gallia, at r. above oblong shield; betw. Victory on stg. on globe, star and crescent above rev VICTORIA P R, Victory, hldg. bow, driving biga r. RIC 15. Note: This type demonstrates Galbaís support for Vindex.

400ñ600

900ñ1200

2500ñ3500

757

ó obv GENIO P R, bust r. or 1. of Genius, bareheaded, laur. or wreathed with berries, cornucopia at shoulder rev MARTI VLTORI, Mars adv. r., raising shield and brandishing spear. RIC 17ñ9. Note: A variant of this type (RIC 44) has different inscriptions and has a scepter at the Geniusí shoulder.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ3000

758

ó obv LIBERTAS, hd. r. of Libertas rev RES-TITVTA below pileus (liberty cap) betw. two daggers, all flanked by P R. RIC 24. Note: The reverse is a copy of the famous EID MAR denarius of Brutus.

ó

ó

ó

759

ó As 754. RIC 27.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ3000

760

ó obv MONETA, female hd. (Moneta?) r. rev Wreath containing inscr. SALVTARIS above obverse die(?) over anvil betw. tongs and hammer. RIC 30. Note: This issue no doubt alludes to the rich silver mines of Spain which allowed Galba to pay his soldiers. For a similarly numismatic reverse, see no. 781.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

2500+

NORTH AFRICAN ISSUES (For Galba, April to June/July, 68)

761

AR Denarius obv HISPANIA SC, dr. bust r. of Hispania, perhaps laur., adorned with two javelins, shield and grain ears rev SPQR in angles of two crossed spears with round shield in ctr. RIC 135. Note: The SC on these denarii is also characteristic of Carthaginian issues struck for Clodius Macer and Galba. The two coins listed here were struck early in Galbaís revolt or after Clodius Macerís downfall.

ó

ó

ó

762

ó obv VIRTVS, helm, female hd. r. rev As prev. RIC 136.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

ëMILITARY ISSUESí NORTHERN ITALY and(?) SOUTHERN GAUL (For Vitellius, April to July, 69)

763

AV Aureus obv I O M CAPITOLINVS, diad. heroic bust 1. of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, si. dr. at shoulder, small palm branch before rev VESTA P R QVIRITVM, Vesta std. 1. on throne, hldg. patera and torch. RIC 124. Note: This issue was ërestoredí by the emperor Trajan.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

20,000+

764

AR Denarius obv FIDES EXERCITWM, clasped hands rev CONCORDIA PRAETORIANORVM, Concordia stg. 1., hldg. branch and comcuopia. RIC 118.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

765

ó As prev., but rev CONCORDIA PROVINCIA-RVM. RIC 119.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

766

ó obv As prev. rev FIDES PRAETORIANORVM, clasped hands. RIC 121.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

767

ó As 763. RIC 125a. Illustrated p. 288.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

Note: For an issue which may belong to this Vitellian series, see no. 780 under Vindex.

Civil War (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

ch VF

768

Æ14 of the Koinon of Macedon, 69(?). obv No inscr., Nike adv. 1., hldg. wreath and palm branch rev MAKE∆ONΩN, Macedonian shield. RPC 1621. Note: The authors of RPC suggest these Macedonian issues were struck during the reign of Otho.

15ñ25

50ñ75

100ñ150

769

Æ20 of Smyrna in Ionia, 68ñ69. obv Nemesis stg. r. rev River god reel. 1. RPC 2490. Note: During this troubled period at least five issues of bronzes without Imperial portraits were struck at Smyrna by the strategoi Sosandros and Hieronymos.

20ñ40

100ñ150

250ñ350

770

Æ16ñ19 of Antioch in Syria, 68ñ69. obv No inscr., laur. hd. r. of Zeus rev Altar, garlanded and flaming, ET ZIP (yr. 117=68/9) below. RPC 4322. Note: These bronzes were struck alongside the portrait issues of Antioch in the names of Galba and Otho.

15ñ25

50ñ75

100ñ150

771

Æ15, óobv No inscr., hd. r. of Apollo rev Laurel branch, ET ZIP (yr.117=68/9) below. RPC 4323.

15ñ25

50ñ75

100ñ150

Vindex

Rebel, A.D. 68

Vindex (Revolt Coinage)

F

VF

EF

772

AV Aureus obv MARS VLTOR, helm, and dr. bust r. of bearded Mars rev SIGNA P R, legionary eagle and altar betw. two standards. RIC 50. Note: This issue may belong with the Vitellian ëMilitary Issuesí of 69.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

773

ó obv SALVS ET L1BERTAS, female in military garb stg. r., hldg. spear and resting shield on ground rev SPQR in oak wreath. RIC 65.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

774

ó obv SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory stg. 1. on globe, hldg. wreath and palm branch rev As prev. RIC 71a,b.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

25,000+

775

AR Denarius obv CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laur. hd. r. of Augustus rev DIVVS IVLIVS across field betw. rays of comet with tail. RIC 92.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

776

ó As 772, but obv sometimes anepigraphic. RIC .39,51. Illustrated above.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

777

ó obv ROMA RESTITVTA, helm., dr. bust r. of Roma rev IVPPITER LIBERATOR, Jupiter std. 1., hldg. scepter and thunderbolt. RIC 62.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

778

ó As 773. RIC 66.

300ñ100

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

779

ó As 774, but GENERIS sometimes GENE or GENER, and Victory sometimes stg. r. RIC 68ñ9,72ñ3.

300ñ400

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

780

ó obv VESTA P R QVIRITIVM, diad., veiled halfbust. r. of Vesta, usually hldg. torch rev I O M(AX) CAPITOLINVS, distyle temple with Jupiter Opti-mus Maximus std. 1. within. RIC 127ñ8.

400ñ600

700ñ1000

ó

781

ó obv VOLKANVS VLTOR, bust r. of bearded Vulcan wearing round cap rev GENIO P R, coin die (or cap of Vulcan?) over anvil betw. tongs and hammer. RIC 79. Note: The same reverse type was used at a Spanish mint under Galbaís authority.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

Clodius Macer

Rebel, A.D. 68

Obverse inscriptions:

Propraetor:

L CMACRI SC

 

L CLODI MACRI SC

 

L C(LODI) MACRI CARTHAGO SC

 

L CLODI MACRI LIBERA SC

 

L CLODI MACR(I) LIBERATRIX SC

 

L CLODIVS MACER SC

 

ROMA SC

Note: The above inscriptions occur in at least 26 different arrangements.

786

Clodius Macer (Revolt Coinage)

F

VF

EF

782

AR Denarius obv Dr. bust r. of Africa, wearing elephantís scalp rev LIB AVG LEG III, legionary eagle betw. two standards. RIC 1ñ4. Note: Two javelins sometimes are shown behind Africaís bust.

3000ñ5000

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

783

ó As prev., but rev MACRIANA LIB LEG I. RIC 5ñ6.

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

15,000ñ20,000

784

ó obv Lionñs hd. r. rev As 782. RIC 7ñ11. Note: In one case, RIC 9, the AVG is not present.

3000ñ5000

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

785

ó As prev., but rev As 783. RIC 12.

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

15,000ñ20,000

786

ó obv Wingded bust r. of Victory, sometimes dr. rev As 782. RIC 13ñ8.

3000ñ5000

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

787

ó obv Libertas stg. 1., hldg. pileus and patera rev As 783. RIC 19ñ21. Note: In one case, RIC 19, it is MAORI AN.

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

15,000ñ20,000

788

ó obv Dr. and turreted bust r. of Carthago, cornuco-pia at shoulder rev SICILIA around triskeles running clockwise, ears of grain in angles, facing Medusa hd. in ctr. RIC 22ñ9. Note: This issue not only celebrates Carthage as Macerís base of operations, but also propagandizes his claim to Sicily.

3000ñ5000

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

789

ó obv ROMA SC, helm. hd. r. of Roma rev L CLODI MACRI, trophy of arms with two oval shields. RIC 30ñ1.

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

15,000ñ20,000

790

ó obv Bare hd. r. of Clodius Macer rev PROPRAE AFRICAE, war galley rowed r. by 4 to 8 oarsmen. RIC 34ñ42. Note: In two instances on this portrait series AFRICAE is misspelled ó AFRCAE (RIC 32) and AFRICA (RIC 39). Illustrated above.

5000ñ8000

10,000ñ15,000

30,000ñ50,000

791

ó As prev., but obv inscr. L CLODI MACRI SC,. RIC 32ñ3. Note: This issue, which gives Macerís name in the genetive case, is far rarer than the previous one, which uses the nominative case (CLODIVS).

7000ñ10,000

15,000ñ20,000

ó

Note: For issues possibly struck in North Africa during Macerís reign (but in support of G albaís cause) see RIC vol. I, p. 202 for the discussion, and p. 215 for the types (nos. 135ñ6).

Galba, A.D. 68ñ69

Imperator, A.D. 68

Examples of obverse inscriptions:

Imperator:

GALBA IMP

 

GALBA IMPERATOR

 

SER(V) GALBA IMP

 

SER(VIVS) GALBA IMPERATOR

Augustus:

IMP GALBA CAESAR AVG P P

 

IMP SER GALBA AVG

 

IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG (P M, P M TR P or TR P)

 

IMP SER SVLP(I or IC) GALBA CAES AVG TR P

 

SER GALBA AVG

 

SER GALBA AVG IMP

 

SER GALBA CAESAR AVG

 

SER GALBA IMP AVG(VSTVS)

 

SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG (P M, P M TR P or TR P)

 

SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG (P M) TR P (P P)

 

SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT (or P P P)

 

SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAE(SAR) AVG (P M) TR P

Note: Not all inscriptions that omit AVG were struck before Galba became Augustus. Most of Galbaís longer inscriptions on his æs coinage are not listed.

Galbaís portraits as Imperator usually are right- or left-facing, laureate and set upon a small globe. His busts as Augustus are right- or left-facing, bare-headed, laureate or wreathed in oak leaves; often they are draped and/or cuirassed, and sometimes are adorned with an aegis or set upon a small globe.

Galba (as Imperator)

F

VF

EF

792

AV Aureus

1750ñ2250

3000ñ5000

7000ñ12,500

793

ó rev GALLIA HISPANIA, Gallia, hldg. scepter, and Hispania, hldg. shield, sword and spear, stg., clasping hands. RIC 17 (Spain).

1750ñ2250

4000ñ6000

ó

794

ó rev HISPANIA, Hispania stg. 1., hldg. shield, spear, grain ears and poppy branch. RIC 20 (Spain).

1750ñ2250

4000ñ6000

ó

795

AR Denarius

150ñ200

400ñ600

1500ñ2000

796

ó obv GALBA IMP(ER), Galba, in military attire, riding r. on horse, saluting rev HISPANIA, dr. bust r. of Hispania, sometimes laur., adorned with two javelins, shield and grain ears. RIC 1ñ3 (Spain).

250ñ350

500ñ800

ó

797

ó obv SER GALBA IMP, Galba, in military attire, riding r. on horse, hldg. javelin rev GALLIA, dr. bust r. of Gallia, adorned with two javelins, shield and grain ears. RIC 85 (Gaul).

250ñ350

500ñ800

ó

798

ó obv As prev. rev As 796. RIC 86 (Gaul).

250ñ350

500ñ800

ó

799

ó As 793. RIC 15ñ6 (Spain) and 109 (Gaul).

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

800

ó As 794. RIC 19,21 (Spain).

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

Note: All of Galbaís coinage as Imperator was struck in Spain and Gaul (and possibly in North Africa) as a supplement to the anonymous ëCivil War coinagesí which are listed separately. Presumably no Imperial ?s were struck for Galba as Imperator.

Galba (as Augustus)

F

VF

EF

801

AV Aureus

1500ñ2000

3000ñ5000

7000ñ12,500

802

AR Denarius Illustrated p. 293.

150ñ200

400ñ600

1500ñ2000

803

ó obv SER GALBA IMP AVG, Galba, in military attire, riding r. on horse, hldg. javelin rev TRES GALLIAE, busts r. of the three Galliae in a row, sometimes dr. and/or with globe at tips of their busts. RIC 89ñ92. (Gaul). Note: Galba also struck this type as Imperator, but without the title AVG (RIC 89).

500ñ800

ó

ó

804

ó rev Various types with additional inscr. SC in field. RIC 515,19ñ21 (Africa). Note: In addition to its crude style, the SC on the reverse assures these denarii were struck at Carthage (presumably after the death of Clodius Macer). See also no. 761.

300ñ400

700ñ1000

2000ñ3000

805

ó rev HISPANIA, Hispania adv. 1., hldg. two spears, shield, grain ears and poppy branch. RIC 144ff (Rome).

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

806

ó rev As 793. RIC 154 (Rome).

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

807

ó rev IMP below Gallia, in military attire, riding r. on horse, saluting. RIC 145 (Rome).

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

808

AR Quinarius rev VICTORIA GALBAE AVG, Victory stg. r. on globe, hldg. wreath and palm branch. RIC 131ñ2 (Lugdunum).

400ñ600

1250ñ1750

3000ñ5000

Galba (as Augustus)

F

VF

chVF

809

Æ Sestertius

200ñ300

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

810

ó rev ADLOCVTIO SC, Galha and a soldier stg. r. on low platform addressing four soldiers, variously armed, a horse among them. RIC 462ñ8 (Rome).

400ñ600

1500ñ2000

5000ñ8000

811

ó rev HISPANIA CLVNIA SVL SC, Galha, in military attire and hldg. sword, std. l., extending r. hand to stg. female hldg. cornucopia and palladium. RIC 469ñ73 (Rome).

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

ó

812

ó rev HONOS ET VIRTVS SC, Honos stg. r., hldg. scepter and cornucopia, facing Virtus, stg. L, hldg. spear and sword. RIC 474ñ8 (Rome).

400ñ600

1250ñ1750

2000ñ3000

813

ñ rev LIBERT (AS) AVG( VST), Libertas stg. 1., hldg. pileus and rod; SC R XL in field. RIC 4.38ñ41 (Rome). Note: Issues marked R XL show that Galba removed the traditional 2ñ1/2% customs duty applied to Spain and Gaul as reward for their support.

900ñ1200

2000ñ3000

ó

814

ó rev LIBERTAS REST1TVTA SC, Galba stg. 1., raising kneeling fig. of Libertas, Roma stg., overseeing. RIC 479ñ80 (Rome).

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

ó

815

ó rev MARS VICTOR SC, Mars stg. facing, hldg. spear and trophy. RIC 481ñ2 (Rome).

400ñ600

1250ñ1750

2000ñ3000

816

ó rev ROMA, Roma stg. 1., shield at feet, hldg. branch and eagle-tipped scepter, resting 1. arm on trophy; SC R XL in field. RIC 450.

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

ó

817

ó rev SC flanking Aesculapius stg. facing, leaning on serpent staff. RIC 486ñ8 (Rome).

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

ó

818

ó rev SENATVS PIETATI AVGVSTI SC, togate senator stg. at r., hldg. branch, placing wreath on hd. of Galba, in military attire, stg. at 1., hldg. branch and small Victory. RIC 489 (Rome).

900ñ1200

2000ñ3000

ó

819

Æ Dupondius

100ñ150

300ñ400

1000ñ1500

820

ó rev SPQR OB CIVES SERVAT(OS) in four lines in oak wreath. RIC 417ñ9 (Rome).

200ñ300

400ñ600

ñ

821

Æ As

100ñ150

250ñ350

900ñ1200

822

ó Sim. to 813. RIC 293,6 (Rome).

250ñ350

700ñ1000

ó

823

ó rev PROVIDENT below altar with double-panelled door flanked by large SC. RIC 499 (Rome).

150ñ200

400ñ600

ó

824

ó rev SC, legionary eagle betw. two standards, all usually set on prows. RIC 297ñ304,507ñ9 (Rome).

150ñ200

400ñ600

ó

Note: For all coins of Galba with the DIVA AVGVSTA and AVGVSTA reverse types, see Liviaís posthumous commemoratives. For the countermarks ΓALBA, ΓAL.KAI (and occasionally GALBA) which were applied to circulating ?s of Nero at Perinthus (and perhaps elsewhere), see RPC 1758-61.

Galba (Posthumous Commemoratives)

F

VF

chVF

825

Æ Sestertius, under Titus, obv IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P, laur. hd. r. of Galba rev IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII around large SC with REST above. RIC (Titus) 245.

300ñ400

900ñ1200

ó

826

Æ Dupondius, óobv SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P, laur. hd. r. of Galba rev Sim. to prev., but RESTITVIT. RIC (Titus) 246. Note: The reverse inscription is sometimes abbreviated (RIC 247).

250ñ350

500ñ800

ó

827

Æ As, óobv As prev. rev IMP T VESP AVG REST SC , Libertas stg. 1., hldg. pileus and rod or Pax stg. 1., hldg. cornucopia and applying torch to heap of arms on ground. RIC (Titus) 248ñ9.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

Note: For an aureus portraying Galba, see Trajanís ërestored coins.í

Galba (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

EF

828

AR Tetradrachm of Antioch rev Eagle stg. 1. on thunderbolt, palm branch before. RPC 4193ñ6.

100ñ150

200ñ300

900ñ1200

829

ó As prev., but of exceptionally fine style and manufacture. RPC 4197ñ8.

300ñ400

1000ñ1500

2000ñ3000

830

Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria

50ñ75

150ñ200

400ñ600

Galba (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

chVF

831

Æ 24 of Ilium (Troy) in Troas obv Confr. dr. busts of the Senate, at 1., and Galba, at r. rev Statue of Athena Ilias in wreath. RPC 2317.

150ñ200

400ñ600

ó

832

Æ 28 of Antioch rev Large SC in circle in wreath. RPC 4314.

70ñ100

200ñ300

400ñ600

833

Æ25ñ27, órev EΓII MOYKIANOY ANTIOXEΩN ET ZIP (yr.l 17 = 68/9) in wreath. RPC 4313. Note: Gaius Licinius Crassus Mucianus, the Syrian legate who invaded Italy on Vespasianís behalf, is named on the reverse. Otho also struck coins for Mucianus.

150ñ200

400ñ600

ó

Otho, A.D. 69

HUSBAND OF POPPAEA

Obverse inscriptions:

Augustus:

IMP MOTHO CAESAR AVG TR P

 

IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P

Note: The obverse inscription is carried onto the reverses (as PONT MAX) of issues Otho struck after March 9.

Busts are right- or left-facing, bare-headed, sometimes with drapery at shoulder.

Otho (as Augustus)

F

VF

EF

834

AV AureusIllustrated above.

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

20,000ñ35,000

835

ó rev VICTORIA OTHONIS, Victory stg. or flying r., hldg. wreath and palm branch. RIC 13,5.

3000ñ5000

8,000ñ15,000

ó

836

AR Denarius

250ñ350

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

837

ó obv Bare hd. 1.

300ñ400

900ñ1200

3000ñ5000

838

ó obv Bust r., si. dr.

300ñ400

900ñ1200

3000ñ5000

839

ó rev PONT MAX, Otho, in military attire, riding r. on horse, hldg. javelin. RIC 22.

250ñ350

700ñ1000

2,500ñ3,500

840

ó As 835, but Victory sometimes on globe. RIC 14,6ñ7.

250ñ350

700ñ1000

2,500ñ3,500

Otho (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

EF

841

AR Tetradrachm of Antioch rev eagle stg. 1. on thunderbolt, palm branch before. RPC 4199-4200.

100ñ150

250ñ350

900ñ1200

842

Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria

70ñ100

200ñ300

500ñ800

Otho (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

chVF

843

Æ28 of Antioch rev Large SC in wreath. RPC 4320. Note: Because Otho struck no Imperial ?s, the Antiochene issues are collected as substitutes.

100ñ150

300ñ400

700ñ1000

844

Æ28, órev Sim. to 833. RPC 4316.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

Vitellius, A.D. 69

Imperator, A.D. 69

SON OF LUCIUS VITELLIUS

FATHER OF VITELLIUS GERMANICUS AND VITELLIA

Obverse inscriptions:

Imperator:

A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS

 

A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN

Augustus:

A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP (AVG P M TR P)

 

A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP (AVG P M) TR P

 

A VITELLIVS AVG IMP GERMAN

 

A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P

 

A VITELLIVS GERM IMP TR P

 

A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG (PM) TR P

 

A VITELLIVS GER IMP AVG P M T P P

Note: The two inscriptions given above for Vitellius as Imperator occur only on issues of Spain and Gaul. It cannot be said with certainty that all coins with these two inscriptions were struck before April 19, but it likely is the case.

Vitelliusí portraits as Imperator are right- or left-facing, laureate and set upon a small globe; sometimes a small palm branch is placed before the bust. As Augustus, his busts are right-facing and bare-headed or laureate; on aes his busts are sometimes left-facing or draped.

Vitellius (as Imperator)

F

VF

EF

845

AV Aureus

1750ñ2250

3000ñ5000

7000ñ12,500

846

ó rev CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM, Mars adv. 1., hldg. spear, legionary eagle and standard. RIC 22ff (Spain and Gaul).

2,000ñ2,500

4000ñ6000

10,000ñ15,000

847

AR Denarius

100ñ150

300ñ400

1500ñ2000

848

ó rev As 846. RIC 6ff (Spain and Gaul).

150ñ200

400ñ600

2000ñ3000

849

ó rev FIDES EXERCITVVM, clasped hands. RIC 47ff (Gaul). Note: This type was later struck at Rome.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

850

ó rev FIDES PRAETORIANORVM, type as prev. RIC 55 (Gaul).

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

851

ó rev I O MAX CAPITOLINVS, distyle temple with Jupiter Optimus Maximus std. 1. within. RIC 31,56 (Spain and Gaul).

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

Vitellius (as Imperator)

F

VF

chVF

852

Æ As

200ñ300

400ñ600

ó

853

ó rev CONSENSVS HISPANIARVM SC , Hispania stg. 1., hldg. shield and two javelins. RIC 41 (Spain).

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

854

ó rev As 849, but SC added. RIC 42 (Spain).

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

Note: All of Vitelliusí coinage as Imperator was struck in Spain and Gaul as a supplement to the anonymous ëCivil War coinsí which are listed separately.

Vitellius (as Imperator)

F

VF

EF

855

AV Aureus

1750ñ2250

3000ñ5000

7000ñ12,500

856

ó rev SPQR OB CS in three lines in oak wreath. R1C 82.

2,000ñ2,500

4000ñ6000

10,000ñ15,000

857

AR DenariusIllustrated p. 298.

100ñ150

300ñ100

1500ñ2000

858

ó rev No inscr., Victory std. 1., hldg. patera and palm branch. RIC 71ff.

150ñ200

400ñ600

2000ñ3000

859

ó rev As 849. RIC 67.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

860

ó rev As 856. RIC 69A,83.

150ñ200

400ñ600

2000ñ3000

Vitellius (as Augustus)

F

VF

chVF

861

Æ Sestertius

400ñ600

1500ñ2000

4000ñ6000

862

ó rev ANNONA AVG SC, Vitellius, in military attire, stg. r., hldg. spear and sword, facing Ceres, std. 1., hldg. patera and torch, shipís prow behind, flaming altar betw. RIC 131ff.

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

ó

863

ó rev HONOS ET VIRTVS SC, Honos stg. r., hldg. scepter and cornucopia, facing Virtus, stg. 1., hldg. spear and sword. RIC 113.

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

864

ó MARS VICTOR SC, Mars, sword at side, adv. 1., hldg. trophy or legionary eagle. RIC 115ñ6ff.

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

865

ó rev SPQR OB CIV SER in four lines in oak wreath. RIC 122,59.

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

866

ó rev VICTORIA AVGVSTI SC, Victory stg. r., r. foot on helmet, inscr. OB CIVES SER on shield attached to palm tree. RIC 123ñ4ff. Note: Though this type is often collected as a precursor to the Flavian Judaea Capta series, it more likely celebrates the awarding of the corona civica and the clipeus virtuitis to Vitellius by the senate.

900ñ1200

3000ñ5000

ó

867

Æ Dupondius

250ñ350

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

868

ó rev PAXS AVGVSTI SC, Pax stg. 1., hldg. cornucopia and applying torch to heap of arms. RIC 149ff. Note: This and the following may be asses.

300ñ400

700ñ1000

ó

869

ó rev SC, legionary eagle betw. two standards, all set on prows. RIC 153.

300ñ400

700ñ1000

ó

870

Æ As

150ñ200

400ñ600

1250ñ1750

871

ó rev PROVIDENT below altar with double-panelled door flanked by large SC. R IC 129ff.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

872

ó rev VICTOR AVGVS(TI) SC , Victory adv. 1., placing shield on trophy with captive std. 1. on globe at its base. RIC 151ñ2ff.

200ñ300

500ñ800

ó

Note: Though Vitellius may have struck at Spanish or Gallic mints as Augustus, all coins listed above are from Rome. For other issues struck by Vitellius, see the entries of Lucius Vitellius and Vitellius Germanicus and Vitellia.

Vitellius (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

EF

873

Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria

80ñ120

200ñ300

500ñ800

Vitellius (Provincial Coinage)

F

VF

chVF

874

Æ23 of the Koinon of Macedon rev ΣEBAΣTOΣMAKE∆ONΩN around Macedonian shield. RPC 1616ñ7.

80ñ120

200ñ300

ó

Lucius Vitellius

FATHER OF VITELLIUS

GRANDFATHER OF VITELLIUS GERMANICUS AND VITELLIA

Lucius Vitellius (Imperial Coinage)

F

VF

EF

875

AV Aureus, under Vitellius. obv A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS, laur. hd. 1. of Vitellius, small globe at tip of bust rev L VITELLI III COS CENSOR, laur., dr. bust 1. of Lucius Vitellius, eagle-tipped scepter before. RIC (Vit.) 7 (Spain).

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

ó

876

ó. obv A VITELLIVS GERM(AN) IMP (AVG) TR P, laur. hd. r. of Vitellius rev L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR, type as prev., but bust r. RIC (Vit.) 76,98 (Rome).

3000ñ5000

7000ñ10,000

ó

877

ó. obv A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laur. hd. r. of Vitellius rev L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR, Lucius Vitellius std. 1. on curule chair, feet on stool, extending 1. hand and hldg. branch or eagle-tipped scepter. RIC (Vit.) 94,6 (Rome).

2,000ñ2,500

4000ñ6000

12,000ñ20,000

878

AR Denarius, ó. As 876. RIC (Vit.) 77,99 (Rome). Illustrated above.

900ñ1200

3000ñ5000

8000ñ12,000

879

ó. As 877. RIC (Vit.) 95,7 (Rome).

200ñ300

500ñ800

2000ñ3000

Lucius Vitellius (Imperial Coinage)

F

VF

chVF

880

Æ Sestertius, óobv A VITELLIVS GERMAN(ICVS) IMP AVG P M TR P, laur., dr. bust r. of Vitellius rev L VITELL CENSOR II (or III) SC , Lucius Vitellius std. 1. on curule chair upon platform, extending 1. hand to foremost of three stg. togate figs., a fourth fig. std. in the background. RIC (Vit.) 114,34ñ5 (Rome).

3000ñ5000

10,000ñ15,000

ó

Vitellius Germanicus and Vitellia

CHILDREN OF VITELLIUS

GRANDCHILDREN OF LUCIUS VITELLIUS

Vitellius Germanicus and Vitellia (Imperial Coinage)

F

VF

EF

881

AV Aureus, under Vitellius. obv A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS, laur. hd. 1. of Vitellius, small globe at tip of bust rev LIBERIS IMP GERMANICI, confr. busts of Vitellius Germanicus, at 1., and Vi tel-lia, dr. at r. RIC (Vit.) 8 (Spain).

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

ó

882

ó. obv A VITELLIVS GERM(AN) IMP (AVG) TR P, laur. hd. r. of Vitellius rev LIBERI IMP GERMAN, type as prev. RIC (Vit.) 78,102 (Rome).

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

ó

883

ó. obv A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laur. hd. r. of Vitellius rev LIBERI IMP GERM AVG, type as prev. RIC (Vit.) 100 (Rome).

2000ñ3000

5000ñ8000

ó

884

AR Denarius, ó. obv A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laur. hd. r. of Vitellius, small globe at tip of bust rev LIBERI IMP GERMAN, type as prev. RIC (Vit.) 57 (Gaul).

400ñ600

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

885

ó. As 882. RIC (Vit.) 79,103 (Rome).

400ñ600

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

886

ó. As 883. RIC (Vit.) 101 (Rome). Illustrated above.

400ñ600

1000ñ1500

3000ñ5000

Julius Civilis

Rebel, A.D. 69ñ70

Julius Civilis (Revolt Coinage)

F

VF

EF

887

AV Aureus obv SALVTIS, dr. bust r. of Salus rev CONCORDIA , Concordia stg. L, hldg. branch and cornucopia. R IC 134.

ó

ó

ó

888

AR Denarius obv ADSERTOR LIBERTATIS, helm. hd. r. of young male rev LEGION XV PRIM, Victory stg. r., placing helmet on trophy set on tree trunk. RIC 130.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

889

ó. obv GALLIA , daid., dr. bust r. of Gallia, trumpet behind rev FIDES below clasped hands hldg. grain ears and standard surmounted by boar. RIC 131.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

890

ó obv LIBERTAS RESTITVTA , diad., dr. and veiled bust r. of Libertas, grain ear before rev CONCORDIA , Concordia std. 1., hldg. caduceus and standard surmounted by boar. RIC 132.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

891

ó obv As prev. rev MARS ADSERTOR , Mars stg. facing, hldg. standard and shield. RIC 133.

500ñ800

1500ñ2000

ó

Note: All five issues given to Julius Civilis by the authors of RIC are listed above. Their attribution must be considered tentative (see Civilisí Numismatic Note for details). For a bronze of Vespasian celebrating the defeat of Civilis, see no. 934.

The values are estimates for conservatively graded, essentially problem-free coins. Defects or merits will alter prices, often significantly. Dashes (ó) indicate values which cannot be accurately determined (at the high end) or which are negligible (at the low end). Coins with the same value range are not always equally valuable, for they may represent different ends of the same spectrum.

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