A special thank you to Charles Euston for the opportunity to photograph this coin. One of the things I enjoy most about photographing coins is the anticipation of rare and unique ones like this showing up. This remarkable Roman silver denarius was struck by the Rhine legions during one of the most turbulent years in Roman history—the Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD). The obverse bears the draped bust of the Genius Populi Romani (the Genius of the Roman people), while the reverse depicts Mars, naked, save his helmet. Remarkably, only six examples are known to exist. The Rhine legions would help shape the future of the Roman Empire by proclaiming Aulus Vitellius emperor, marching into Italy to defeat Otho, and later clashing with the eastern forces loyal to Vespasian. This small silver coin was struck in the midst of that political and military upheaval, making it more than a rare numismatic treasure in surviving one of Rome's defining moments. With the ANA World's Fair of Money just around the corner, I can't help but wonder what stories will find their way to Booth 323 this year.
