AR Denarius, A.D. 69, Rome, 18mm, 2.64g, 180°, RIC I 109; scarce.
Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P. Laureate head right.
Rev: XV VIR SACR FAC. Tripod alter with dolphin above and raven below.
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Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus was Roman Emperor for eight months, from 16 April to 22 December 69 in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. He was Consul in 48, and assumed Proconsul of Africa in either 60 or 61. At the end of 68 Galba, to the general astonishment, selected him to command the army of Germania Inferior where Vitellius made himself popular with the soldiers by outrageous prodigality and excessive good nature, which soon proved fatal to order and discipline.

He owed his elevation to the throne to Caecina and Fabius Valens, commanders of two legions on the Rhine. Through these two men a military revolution was speedily accomplished; they refused to renew their vows of allegiance to Emperor Galba, and early in 69 Vitellius was proclaimed emperor at Cologne. By the time that they marched on Rome, however, it was Otho, and not Galba, whom they had to confront. Vitellius advanced into Italy at the head of a licentious and rough soldiery and clashed with Otho’s forces near Bedriacum where Otho was forced to retreat and shortly after committed suicide. Rome became the scene of riot and massacre, gladiatorial shows and extravagant feasting.

In July 69, Vitellius learned that the armies of the eastern provinces had proclaimed their commander, Vespasian as emperor. As this fact became known, Vitellius was deserted by many of his adherents and he decided to resign. It is said that Vitellius awaited Vespasian's army at Mevania and that the terms of resignation had been agreed upon with Marcus Antonius Primus, the commander of the sixth legion and one of Vespasian’s chief supporters. While Vitellius was on his way to deposit the insignia of empire in the Temple of Concord he was captured by Vespasian's troops and driven to the Gemonian stairs where he was killed. His body was thrown into the Tiber according to Suetonius; Cassius Dio's account is that Vitellius was beheaded and his head paraded around Rome. His brother and son were also killed.