Vitellius, Silver Denarius, Lugdunum, broad flan, provenance to 1979.

Vitellius (AD 69), silver Denarius, Lugdunum, A VITELLIVS GERM AV [ligated], laureate head right, globe at point of neck, rev. Victory alighting left, holding shield inscribed SP/QR, 3.54g, 7h (RIC I, 62). Very fine, cabinet tone, full and complete with a very broad flan.

Provenance:

Ex Birkler & Waddell, Auction 1, New York, USA, December 7, 1979, lot 309

Ex Birkler & Waddell, Auction 2, New York, USA, December 11, 1980, lot 324

Vitellius was Roman Emperor from 17 April - 22 December AD, during the Year of the Four Emperors. He was originally appointed governor of Lower Germania and was proclaimed emperor by his troops after he defeated Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum. His reign was weakened by his lack of control over the army and his reputation for excessive spending and luxury. He was criticised for holding lavish banquets and allowing his supporters to gain positions of power, while he failed to respond effectively to the growing threat from Vespasian, who had been proclaimed emperor by the eastern legions. Vitellius was eventually defeated by Vespasian's forces at the Second Battle of Bedriacum. He was captured and killed in Rome in December 69 AD, bringing his brief and unstable reign to an end and allowing Vespasian to establish the Flavian dynasty.

The obverse legend A VITELLIVS GERM AV translates to "Aulus Vitellius, Conqueror of Germany, the Venerated Emperor."

The reverse legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI translates to "The Victory of the Emperor"