Roman Empire, Vitellius, 69, Aureus, Tarraco, extremely rare

An Aureus of the highest rarity! Struck in the name of Vitellius, Roman emperor in the year known as the "Year of the Four Emperors", those who succeeded Nero after his assassination in 68. He reigned between April and December 69, before being overthrown and killed by Vespasian at the end of the year. Very popular as a high Roman dignitary, he became extremely unpopular after his accession to power by leading a series of purges and executions, leading to the defection of the Roman troops, who then proclaimed Vespasian, vanquisher of the Judean revolt, emperor in his place.

This coin, possibly struck in Tarraco (antique Tarragona), in Hispania, is extremely rare, as less than 10 examples of this type are known, and these Aurei are highly sought-after by collectors for the story behind the face engraved on them. Lastly, the type with the Victory holding a shield inscribed "SPQR", very popular in Nero coinage, is reproduced. This was probably an attempt to maintain the people's trust in the coinage of this new ruler, by following in the iconographic tradition of his predecessor.