VITELLIUS, A.D. 69. AE Sestertius (26.33 gms), Rome Mint. NGC Ch EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5. Fine Style, Smoothing.RIC-118. Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right; Reverse: Pax standing left, holding branch and cornucopia. Attractive deep green-brown surfaces, with some minor roughness and smoothing typical with these large bronze issues. An exceptional portrait of this brief emperor, who reigned for eight months during the upheaval of A.D. 69--the year of four emperors. Following the death of Nero, Galba was the first of four successive generals who would seize control of the empire, followed by Otho, Vitellius, and ultimately, Vespasian, under whose reign some stability would finally be restored.
