Here is the latest addition to my 12 Caesar's set. I needed an example of Vitellius. I had been watching this one for a while. In fact another member inquired about it, but decided to pass because he believed it to be overpriced. But in my search for Vitellius coins, I found them all to be fairly expensive, so I could easily rationalize spending a bit on this one. Coin dealers really like guys like me. It's also my first fouree, so it fulfills two purposes for my collection. It fills the Vitellius hole and serves as an example of a fouree. "A fourrée is a coin, often a counterfeit, that is made from a base metal core that has been plated with a precious metal to look like its solid metal counterpart. The term is normally applied to ancient silver plated coins such as the Roman denarius and Greek drachma, but the term is also applied to other plated coins." Wikipedia "Vitellius (Latin: Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus;[1] 24 September 15 – 22 December 69) was Roman Emperor for eight months, from 16 April to 22 December 69. Vitellius was proclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Vitellius was the first to add the honorific cognomen Germanicus to his name instead of Caesar upon his accession; the latter name had fallen into disrepute in many quarters because of the actions of Nero. His claim to the throne was soon challenged by legions stationed in the eastern provinces, who proclaimed their commander Vespasian emperor instead. War ensued, leading to a crushing defeat for Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Once he realised his support was wavering, Vitellius prepared to abdicate in favor of Vespasian, but was executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on 22 December 69." Please post your Vitellius coins or examples of fouree coins.
While it is only an opinion, I believe that my Otho fourree was produced by the same faker as the OP Vitellius. This made part of me want the coin more but it also made me nervous about just when that faker was making the coins. The other part of me regrets not owning this coin. Both are very typical foil method fourrees with strong seams and good workmanship. Style is distinct from the regular mint product. I wanted to upgrade the Vitellius I already had which is actually only 3/4 of a coin. Fourrees of Vitellius and Otho are rare compared to other 12 Caesars. I lack Caligula and Galba from the set but both of these are seen with regularity. Fourrees of Caligula are relatively common compared to his solid denarii. My only solid Vitellius also has a connection with Otho. It shows the earliest portrait style at Rome where Vitellius looks more like Otho than appropriate.
There is a striking similarity between my Vitellius and your Otho, not just in terms of style but how the two have worn to expose the core. I think it's a good hypothesis that they are from the same faker/mint. The tipping point that sold me on this particular coins was its provenance. Provenance: Ex. Collection of Professor J.E.Seaver. Professor Seaver taught ancient history at the University of Kansas and was a keen opera lover, hosting his own radio show on the subject for nearly 60 years. He was a passionate collector of ancient coins and often used them to aid his teaching. ArtAncient Limited has been fortunate enough to acquire a large portion of the Seaver collection. A short biography of Prof. Seaver, including a photograph of the man, is available to the new owner upon request. I found that interesting and have requested Professor Seaver's Bio.
Nice addition. Saw it listed before but I wanted a regular example, not old fake. Almost looks like a zombie!
I don't have a Vitellius coin, but I do have an ex-Seaver coin. Perhaps mine and yours used to sit near each other in Prof Seaver's collection. TRAJAN AE Quadrans (3.02g, 14.1mm) Rome mint, 101 AD RIC II 702, Cohen 341 O: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM, diademed bust of Hercules right, Nemean lion skin tied around his neck. R: Erymanthian Boar walking right, S C in exergue. Ex Seaver Collection
Still having photo viewing issues on CoinTalk. I think the mods are trying to fix it. I can only see about 50% of the photos on this or any other thread.
