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Lot 92
Rome. Otho, January-April 69 AD. Gold Aureus (7.38 g), Rome mint. Bare head of Otho right. Reverse: Securitas standing left, holding wreath and scepter; SECVRITAS P R. RIC 7 (R-2); C. 16; BMCRE 13. Finely centered, and perfectly struck, on nice round, full flan. Choice portrait, with delicate reddish tone. In a superb state of preservation for this very rare issue. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
One of Rome's briefest reigning emperors -- though little can be said in affirmation of Otho's ephemeral reign, and perhaps even less about the nature of the man himself. Tacitus described him as an "extravagant young man" who devoted himself to "sensuousness" and to "fashionable pursuits." He was renowned for his vanity, his fastidious grooming, and especially for the splendid toupees that covered his balding head. The wigs are so vividly, and almost always meticulously, rendered on his coin portraits, with a manicured care that one almost suspects Otho himself to have personally approved each of the dies for his coins.
Otho hailed from a family of equestrian rank that had been elevated under Augustus to the status of being able to hold consulship. In this way Otho knew and became close friends with the somewhat younger Nero. Wishing to enhance his status with Nero, Otho promoted the charms of his wife, or lover, Poppaea Sabina, to the emperor, but his imperial "seduction" backfired. Nero was smitten with her and promptly got Otho out of the picture by appointing him in 58 AD to the governorship of Lusitania, modern Portugal. This political, cultural and social exile lasted for ten years. When the banner of revolt was raised against Nero, Otho was quick to support his neighboring governor, Galba, in his bid for the throne.
Undoubtedly revenge against Nero was partly on his mind but, by championing Galba, Otho hoped his alliance with the 70-year-old former soldier and consul would result in him being named Galba's adoptive son, and thus heir and successor to the principate. Neither goal was obtained. So then Otho concentrated on raising support among the soldiers and Praetorian Guard, through bribery or largesse, to have Galba put out of the way (and going deeply into debt in the process). Galba and his newly adopted successor were assassinated on January 15, 69 AD, with their heads being delivered to Otho! Rome's frightened Senate quickly acquiesced and hailed Otho as Emperor.
But Otho's days were growing short. Others had eyes to fill the recent imperial vacancy. In southern Germany, the legions proclaimed the new governor, Vitellius, as emperor and began marching on Rome. By the time Otho had assumed the royal mantle, Vitellius' troops had already reached Gaul on their long trek to Italy. By mid or late March, skirmishes were already occurring between opposing forces in Gaul and Italy. Otho left Rome for northern Italy to take charge of the war. On April 14, a decisive and bloody battle took place (upwards of 40,000 deaths), ending with Otho's forces being defeated. At his headquarters, Otho became dispirited, even though reinforcements were enroute. Perhaps, as some have said, he was appalled at the likelihood of far greater spilling of blood should civil war continue, or fearful of his fate at the hands of his opponents. In any event, Otho performed his most noble political act one or two days later, by committing suicide.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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| Realized $74,750 |
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