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”…an example of the ignominy that goes with sycophancy.” (Tacitus Ann. 6.32)
Despite – and derivative – of his unfavorable legacy, Lucius Vitellius (7 BC? – 51 AD?) was among the most successful politicians of his age. No wonder, for Lucius was not only the quintessential yes man, but also a consummate master of imperial adulation, even from the Empire’s very genesis. Then again, you can hardly blame Lucius, considering that among four brothers, he was the only one who avoided a politically motivated death.
The key to Lucius’ success and survival was his relentless obsequiousness towards the individual who sat upon Rome’s throne. But Lucius’ devoutness didn’t stop there. His adoration also extended to the extended imperial family. He was especially vigilant to attend to the needs of the female members of the imperial clan. The young Lucius befriended Augustus’ niece Antonia, and he later he became the favorite of Claudius’ third wife, Empress Messalina. Lucius’ devotion towards Messalina reportedly extended to the point that he was wont to kiss the Empress’ toes.
Among Lucius’ more orthodox political accomplishments, he thrice served as consul: in 34 AD during Tiberius’ reign, and in 43 AD and 47 AD alongside Emperor Claudius. Also, Lucius once held the title of censor under Claudius. In between, which corresponded to the reign of Emperor Caligula, Lucius held the post of governor of Syria. It was during this time that Lucius, after hearing the complaints of the Samarians, deposed Pontius Pilate in Judaea. After returning from Syria, Lucius worshipped Caligula as a god, and never dared to approach his divine Emperor without uncovering his head, averting his gaze, and finally prostrating himself.
Lucius’ height of influence was during Claudius’ reign. When the Emperor left Italy to lead the invasion of Britannia, Lucius was essentially left in charge to run Rome’s internal affairs. Notably, when Claudius married his niece Agrippina the Younger in 49 AD, Lucius, ever the imperial assenter, was the unpopular union’s leading proponent.
According to ancient historian Suetonius, Lucius died of natural causes (“paralysis”) on the day after he had been accused of high treason. This occurred around 51-52 AD, sufficient for Lucius to see his two sons by wife Sextilia, namely Aulus Vitellius and Lucius Vitellius, achieve consulship.
Beyond curious historical accounts, Lucius is best known to history as the father of Aulus Vitellius, the third of four Emperors who ruled in 69 AD. During his brief reign, Emperor Vitellius honored his father on a few bronze, silver, and gold coins struck in Rome. All such issues are extremely rare, and challenging to collect, in any condition.
The current denarius is an example of coinage featuring father and son Vitellius. More accurately, it is an ancient forgery of official coinage featuring father and son Vitellius. It is curious why the ancient forger would choose such a rare coin to forge? On the one hand, a forged common coin might not attract much attention, and a rare coin more do. However, the forged common coin might stick out next to its many comparators in circulation whereas for the rare coin there might be little of no context to notice its fraudulent nature. In any case, this particular ancient coin is extremely rare, and possibly unique. The reverse side of the coin features the father laureate and draped bust encircled by the inscription L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR, denoting Lucius Vitellius, three time consul and one time censor. The obverse depicts the son encircled by the inscription A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, denoting Aulus Vitellius and his titles of Augustus, tribunicia potestate, and governor-general of Lower Germany.
Also on the reverse flan is the end of an eagle-tipped scepter facing forward in the same direction as Lucius’ gaze. On closer inspection, it is evident that the end of scepter emerges from beneath Lucius’ draped toga. While it is difficult to know for certain, the depiction suggests that the base of the scepter is tucked within the crook of Lucius’ right arm, rather than directly held aloft in an outstretched hand, which is a more typical portrayal on imperial coinage. The latter scenario would be logical if the scepter appeared on the obverse with August Vitellius. However, since the actual choice was pairing the scepter with the elder Vitellius, the ancient engraver instead conveys the impression that Lucius carries the scepter not for himself, but for his beloved Augustus.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Vitellius with Lucius Vitellius (father), 69 AD, AR denarius (3.04 gm), Rome mint, NGC Grade: VG, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, Obverse: Head of Vitellius facing right, A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, Reverse: Laureate, draped bust of Lucius Vitellius facing right, eagle-tipped scepter from beneath his draped toga, L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR, References: RIC I 99; BMCRE 26; RSC 2; CBN 58; Cohen 2.