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Vitellius. AD 69. Æ As (27.5mm, 11.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA AVGVSTI, S C in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left; to left, lighted altar. RIC I 171; BMCRE 72; BN –. Dark green-brown patina. Superb EF. Exceptional high relief portrait.
From the PLZ Collection. Ex Gasvoda Collection (Part I, Numismatica Ars Classica 86, 8 October 2015), lot 157; Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 595.
This small bronze is one of the brightest jewels of my AES collection. I was overwhelmed by the relief of the obverse when I received it, plus a simply fantastic portrait on such a small canvas. (PLZ)
The bronze coinage of Vitellius includes a wide variety of types as the mint was clearly trying to supply a massive output to the new ruler, already the third in this year of four emperors. The engraving and coining staffs were surely working nonstop to meet this incredible demand. His resulting coinage is quite varied in reverse themes but it focuses on three distinct areas – military prowess, unity with the Roman senate, and the normal Roman pantheon of Gods. Seen here, the “Concordia” reverse is a direct plea to the Roman political system. This type appears in gold, silver and bronze. The theme was important for Vitellius: The empire had been in a brutal civil war for much of 69 AD, and losses by the supporters of all factions were significant. “Concord” along with the “Pax” (Peace) issues were part of the very public effort of Vitellius to not only remain in power but to have the Roman elite and plebs support him and his regime.
There is perhaps no better surviving bronze coin of this emperor than the example presented here. Struck in high relief with a wonderful green patina, this is a gem to behold and worthy of a true connoisseur.
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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