Vitellius, with Vitellius the Elder. AD 69. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. EF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 712. Estimated: $ 50 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 50 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Vitellius, with Vitellius the Elder. AD 69. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head of Vitellius right / [L VI]TELLIVS COS III CENSOR, L. Vitellius the Elder, togate, seated left on curule chair, feet on stool, extending right hand and holding eagle-tipped scepter in left. RIC I 94; Calicó 565a (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 23; BN 54-5; Adda 44. Lustrous, reverse struck slightly off center, some faint hairlines. EF. A bold portrait struck in high relief. Very rare.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (with Jesús Vico, 6 October 2020), lot 23; Numismatic Fine Arts XXX (8 December 1992), lot 227; Albéric Paul Edouard, comte du Chastel de la Howardries Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 27 May 1889), lot 279 (there purchased for 190 francs).

The last of Nero’s immediate three successors, Vitellius was declared emperor by his troops while campaigning in lower Germany in January, AD 69. His reign was short lived however, as Vespasian was hailed emperor in Judaea only a few months later. Vitellius’ troops gave little resistance as Vespasian entered Italy. As Vespasian’s army approached Rome, Vitellius attempted to abdicate but was prevented by the Praetorians and his backers, who rioted and burned down the Temple of Jupiter. Vitellius was ultimately dragged out of his hiding place and brutally murdered, his body thrown down the Gemonian Stairs.

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Three – Lot 648–983 will be held Wednesday morning, 10 January 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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