Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Otho AD 69-69.
Tetradrachm AR

26 mm, 15,51 g

[ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤ]WΡ ΜΑΡΚΟϹ ΟΘWΝ ΚΑΙϹ[Α]Ρ ϹƐΒΑϹΤΟϹ, laureate head right / ƐΤΟΥϹ Α, eagle with wreath in beak on wreath, l.; to l., palm branch.

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RPC I 4200; Prieur 102; McAlee 315.

NGC graded Ch XF Strike 4/5 Surface 2/5 Marcus Salvius Otho, commonly known as Otho, was a Roman Emperor who had a brief and eventful reign in the year AD 69, a tumultuous time in Roman history. Born in AD 32, Otho hailed from an influential Roman family and received a comprehensive education that prepared him for a future in politics. Otho's political career included serving as a governor of the Lusitania province and holding the prestigious position of consul. He was noted for his charismatic personality and skill in forming political alliances. His ascension to the imperial throne occurred in the midst of the Year of the Four Emperors, following the suicide of Emperor Nero in AD 68. Otho seized the opportunity, with the support of the Praetorian Guard, and was declared Emperor in January AD 69. However, Otho's reign was fraught with challenges. He faced fierce competition from Vitellius, another contender for the throne, and was embroiled in political turmoil. This tumultuous period culminated in the First Battle of Bedriacum, where Otho suffered defeat. In a bid to prevent further bloodshed, he made the ultimate sacrifice by taking his own life in April AD 69.

From the Matteo Savoca collection