Ae of Marcus Salvius Otho, one of the shortest reigning emperors. He reigned only three months, between January 15 and April 16, 69 AD.
Specimen from Freeman & Sear Auction, Mail Bid Sale from 08.2006.
Roman Provincial
Syria, Marcus Salvius Otho (69), AE28 69, Antioch mint
Obverse: head emperor right
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse: Securitas standing to the left, holding a wreath in her right hand, and a scepter in the left
SECVRITAS P R
Diameter 28 mm, weight 14.56 g
The offered ae was minted on behalf of the shortest ruling of the four rulers, the so-called "year of the four emperors": Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian (June 8, 68 AD - December 22, 69 AD). After the bloody murder of Galba, Otho, who more than allowed this murder, made a declaration on the reverse of his denarius that the people of Rome could feel safe - as it turned out, this declaration had no validity, because the legions of Lower Germania proclaimed their governor, Vitellius, emperor, who inflicted heavy losses on Otho's army over the Pada. Otho, on the other hand, not wanting to continue the fratricidal war, committed suicide only after three months of rule.
