ROMAN EMPIRE - OTHON January 15 - April 16, 69 - Lot 17

ROMAN EMPIRE - OTHON January 15 - April 16, 69 IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. His bare head to right. R/. SECVRITAS P R. Securitas, Security, draped, standing frontally, looking left, holding crown in right hand and long haste in left. ♦ Cohen 16; RIC 7. BMC 13. Calico 531 Aureus struck in Rome in 69. (7.17 g) Rare. Slight graffiti on obverse and reverse. T.B Otto was born in 32 and died in Bedriacum on April 16, 69. He was Roman emperor in 69, reigning from January to April 69 for just 3 months and one day. In his youth, Otto was a lustful man, and he rose to the high office of emperor only through corruption and treachery. Galba was the first emperor greeted outside Rome, and Othon was the first to openly accede to his office by murdering his predecessor. Othon was governor of Lusitania (Portugal) when the Spanish governor Galba was acclaimed Imperator, so it was natural that Othon should join Galba on his journey to Rome. Othon had two great hopes: to take revenge on Nero and to be adopted as Galba's 70-year-old son and successor. After Galba's assassination, the terrified Senate acclaimed Othon emperor. Few in Rome would have wanted to be emperor, as governor Vitellius was leading his army into Italy at a rapid pace. Othon's reign was as brief, chaotic and desperate as it was degrading. During his reign, the battle in northern Italy killed up to 40,000 Roman soldiers. Having lost the battle to Vitellius' army, and no doubt discouraged by the carnage, Otto committed suicide some two days later. He was succeeded by Vespasian, who established the new Flavian dynasty. LOT SOLD BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT Expert: VINCHON NUMISMATIQUE - Tel: 0142975000