Vitellius, 69. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.28 g, 6 h), Lugdunum, March-July 69. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN Laureate head of Vitellius to right, with globe at point of neck. Rev. I O MAX CAPITOLI-NVS The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus on the Capitoline Hill: distyle temple with palmette in pediment and acroteria in the form of aphlasta; within, statue of Jupiter seated left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and scepter in his left. BMC 118. CBN 27. Cohen 39. RIC 56. Very rare and of great historical interest. Beautifully toned and with a particularly individual and expressive portrait. The reverse a bit weak, otherwise, good very fine.



This very rare issue was struck early in Vitellius’ revolt at Lugdunum, perhaps under the authority of his general Fabius Valens during his march through Gaul into Italy. Its reverse depicts the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus on the Capitoline Hill, the supreme sanctuary of the Eternal City, proclaiming the usurper’s resolve to restore Rome to its ancient greatness after the 'tyranny' of Nero. Ironically, it was the civil war of 68/9 itself that brought about the temple’s destruction, for on 19 December 69 it was consumed by fire during the defense of Rome against the forces of Vespasian. The Flavians, however, soon rebuilt it in even greater splendor.