The Aureus of Vitellius: A Golden Relic of Rome’s Year of the Four Emperors
The Roman Empire’s history is studded with power struggles, intrigue, and military upheaval, but few years encapsulate the volatility of imperial rule quite like AD 69, famously known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Among the fleeting rulers of this turbulent time was Aulus Vitellius, whose brief and tumultuous reign is commemorated in the striking gold aureus bearing his name. This particular example, graded NGC CH F 4x4 and weighing 7.01 grams, is a tangible remnant of a desperate struggle for legitimacy and survival in an empire on the brink of chaos.
Vitellius: The Gluttonous General Turned Emperor
Aulus Vitellius, born in AD 15, was a member of a distinguished senatorial family with strong ties to the imperial court. Before seizing the throne, he had served as governor of Lower Germany, where he secured the loyalty of the legions, a crucial factor in his ascent to power. Following the death of Emperor Galba and the brief rule of Otho, Vitellius marched on Rome with his Germanic legions and assumed control in April AD 69. His reign, however, would be short-lived, lasting only until December of that same year, when he was violently overthrown by the forces of Vespasian.
Vitellius is often remembered for his extravagance and excess. Ancient historians, particularly Tacitus and Suetonius, depict him as a ruler consumed by gluttony and indulgence, whose lack of discipline and favoritism toward his unruly troops alienated the Senate and the Roman elite. Nevertheless, his coinage tells a different story—one of calculated propaganda and an attempt to legitimize his claim to the throne.
The Aureus: A Symbol of Imperial Authority
This aureus, a masterpiece of Roman numismatic art, features a powerful obverse portrait of Vitellius. His image is rendered in the classical style of Roman emperors, showcasing a strong, commanding presence—an ironic contrast to historical accounts of his excesses. The reverse of the coin bears the inscription "SPQR OB S C" within an oak wreath, a potent and politically charged message.
Deciphering the Reverse: "SPQR OB S C" Within Oak Wreath
The legend "SPQR OB S C" stands for "Senatus Populusque Romanus Ob Cives Servatos", which translates to "The Senate and People of Rome (give this) for the saving of the citizens." This was a traditional honorary inscription, usually awarded for deeds that benefitted the Roman state, often in military or civic matters.
The oak wreath (corona civica) was one of the highest honors in Roman tradition. Originally, it was awarded to soldiers who had saved the life of a fellow citizen in battle, but by the imperial period, it had evolved into a broader symbol of the emperor as the protector of Rome’s people. Augustus, the first emperor, prominently used the oak wreath in his iconography to emphasize his role as the savior of the state, and later emperors, including Vitellius, adopted this imagery to bolster their legitimacy.
By incorporating this symbolism on his coinage, Vitellius sought to align himself with Rome’s most revered traditions and emphasize his role as a legitimate and benevolent ruler. This was especially crucial given the fragile nature of his claim to the throne, which rested almost entirely on military force rather than widespread political support.
A Coin from the Edge of an Empire’s Crisis
Despite the imagery of strength and stability projected by this aureus, Vitellius’ rule was anything but secure. His dependence on the loyalty of his Germanic legions proved insufficient when Vespasian, the governor of Judea, gained the backing of the eastern provinces and marched on Rome. By December AD 69, Vitellius was captured and brutally executed by Vespasian’s forces, marking the end of his chaotic reign.