CNG 85, Lot: 859. Estimate $10000. Sold for $12000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.10 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-9 March AD 69. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas standing left, holding wreath and scepter. RIC I 9; Calicó 529. VF, shallow scratch in field on obverse, small banker’s mark on reverse to right of foot.

The security of the Roman people – Securitas P(opuli) R(omani) – was an idea which Otho used in order to convey the much needed image of stability to the populace in the bloody aftermath of the downfall of the Julio-Claudian line and ensuing civil war.