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Vitellius. AD 69. Æ Sestertius (37mm, 29.73 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / MARS VICTOR, S C across field, Mars, helmeted, in military dress, advancing left, holding Victory in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left, parazonium at his left side. RIC I 115; BMCRE 52; BN 91. Dark green patina, smoothed. Near EF. Bold portrait. Very rare.
From the PLZ Collection, purchased from Antiqua. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 367.
The use of Mars Victor on the reverse of a coin of Vitellius relates to the military battles in his effort to gain the throne. The Roman god of war would have been seen as logical choice since Vitellius had claimed the throne by defeating the forces of Otho at the First Battle of Bedriacum. Alas, shortly after reaching Rome, he would learn that the eastern legions had proclaimed for Vespasian. While a military response was put forth, a lightning strike by the legions of Pannonia, led by Antonius Primus, placed Vitellius’ army at a grave disadvantage. The Vitellian troops were routed at the Second Battle of Bedracium, opening the pathway to Rome. Mars, it seems, had abandoned Vitellius and favored the cause of Vespasian.
Struck for only five months, sestertii of Vitellius are among the rarest Roman issues in bronze and are seldom found in even presentable condition. This example, with its imposing portrait of Vitellius and athletic figure of Mars, is surely in the top tier of surviving specimens.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 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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