CPK Posted June 30, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 30, 2022 I have a Galba denarius, and Vitellius isn't too hard to get. But Otho seems to be the most expensive of the A.D. 69 emperors. I wanted to get an Otho coin eventually, but I wasn't sure when I'd ever buy one since they seem to start at around $500, and I've only spent that much money on a single coin twice. Most of my collection is sub-$300. Also for $500 there are a lot of other coins I'd rather have! When I saw this rather poor Otho denarius in the recent Savoca auction, I thought just maybe this could be an affordable Otho for my collection. I placed a bid, and ended up winning! Yes, it's very worn and corroded, but hey this guy isn't complaining...not only is Otho's portrait distinctly recognizable, but there is also left visible his name (barely). The reverse I don't care as much about, which is good since it's even worse; but even so there is still plenty of detail left to be able to identify the type. Overall I am stoked that I was able to fill this difficult and expensive spot at what I consider a very reasonable price! Somewhat unexpectedly, too, since I wasn't sure I would win with my bid. What do you think of the coin? It's a bit lightweight, but I figure that's from the wear and the corrosion (it's a fairly thin flan too). I don't think it's a fouree or anything. (And I'm sure Savoca would have caught it if it was.) Oh, and please post up your Otho coins! 🙂 25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted June 30, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 30, 2022 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ominus1 Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 (edited) ...hey man....an Authentic Otho is an authentic Otho (my 1st one was a fake)...:D congrats on getting a hard one to acquire..:) Edited July 1, 2022 by ominus1 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 Nice coin @CPK! Nothing wrong with a bit of character, especially if the price is right. 😊 3 hours ago, CPK said: I don't think it's a fouree or anything. (And I'm sure Savoca would have caught it if it was.) Savoca tends to be a high volume auction house which means they don’t have as much time to careful vet every coin that passes through their auctions. Some things might slip through the cracks. I imagine this is especially true for their Blue Auctions. All that to say it is still important to evaluate in hand when it arrives and trust your own opinion as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavius Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 Congrats - he is a toughy. He may have ruled very briefly, but was probably best known for his noble death. 18 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 47 minutes ago, Curtisimo said: Nice coin @CPK! Nothing wrong with a bit of character, especially if the price is right. 😊 Savoca tends to be a high volume auction house which means they don’t have as much time to careful vet every coin that passes through their auctions. Some things might slip through the cracks. I imagine this is especially true for their Blue Auctions. All that to say it is still important to evaluate in hand when it arrives and trust your own opinion as well. You are probably right; they don't appear to put a lot of effort into their listings. I've purchased a few coins from them that have been mis-labelled. That's partly why I was interested in hearing other's thoughts on the coin, especially since Otho types are more often counterfeited than some. I certainly don't want a fake! To my admittedly inexperienced eyes it appears legitimate enough. I guess sometimes honest wear is a good thing? 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Author Share Posted July 1, 2022 27 minutes ago, Octavius said: Congrats - he is a toughy. He may have ruled very briefly, but was probably best known for his noble death. Once again you steal the show! 😉 That is beauty! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtisimo Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 2 minutes ago, CPK said: To my admittedly inexperienced eyes it appears legitimate enough. I guess sometimes honest wear is a good thing? 🙂 I don’t see any reason to doubt it either. 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavius Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 18 minutes ago, CPK said: You are probably right; they don't appear to put a lot of effort into their listings. I've purchased a few coins from them that have been mis-labelled. That's partly why I was interested in hearing other's thoughts on the coin, especially since Otho types are more often counterfeited than some. I certainly don't want a fake! To my admittedly inexperienced eyes it appears legitimate enough. I guess sometimes honest wear is a good thing? 🙂 your coin looks good to me. Back of head, shape of nose, and lettering all look characteristically like Otho. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 OTHOOtho, AD 69.Billon AR Tetradrachm, 23mm, 11.9gms; Year 1; Egypt-Alexandria.Obv.:AVTOK MAΓ OΘΩNOΣ KAIΣ ΣEB; Laureate head right, L A in right fieldRev: RΩ-MA; Helmeted, cuirassed bust of Roma right.Emmet 186 16 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 Always nice to snag an Otho. I got mine 24 years ago, for big $$$ back then, that would look like a steal as of today's standard Otho, denarius - Rome mint, AD 69 IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, Bare head of Otho right SECURITAS PR, Securitas standing left 3.50 gr Ref : RIC # 8, RCV #2162, Cohen #17 Q 15 1 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 Congratulations! When it comes to collecting the coins in the civil war of 68-69, Otho is notoriously difficult to acquire, especially with a limited budget. You did well! The portrait is good, you can distinguish his funky wig, and part of his name is legible. I have no reason to doubt the coin. Although it's good advice to check out fake databases when buying from Savoca, as a fake might slip through in their large volume auctions. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Egry Posted July 1, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 1, 2022 @CPKGreat addition to your collection! Congratulations. @Qcumbor that is the finest Otho I’ve ever seen. Well here is mine, not super fun grade but not that bad. 11 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 Denarius of Otho 69 AD Obv Head right bare Rv Victory advaning left holding wreath and palm. RIC 16 3.34 grms Photo by W. Hansen Viewing this image it is clear that we can see what his famous wig may have looked like. It appears to be in four parallel waves running across his forehead contrasting with the rest of his hair which is combed forward. Given my recent experienc wearing masks due o Covid it seems likely that the supports were fixed around his ears. 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambr0zie Posted July 1, 2022 · Member Share Posted July 1, 2022 A day when you add an Otho coin is not a bad day. From the year of the 4 emperors, I scored some Vespasian coins (of course) and a Vitellius. I mean denarii. I lack any Galba coin and for Otho I stole this one at a price I was very happy about - 36 EUR + taxes Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Otho. A.D. 69. Æ 14.97gr IMP M OTHO CAE(S) AVG (clockwise), laureate head of Otho, r. / S C, inscription in a laurel wreath of eight leaves. Countermarked - Howgego 245 - Athena facing right with shield and spear RPC I 4318, BMC 207, 209–11, McAlee 321c Agreed, 1. it's a provincial from Antioch so probably much more common than denarii 2. the legend is worn so you can't see OTHO on it. But frankly I was very happy to get it. The auction house described it as "possible Otho" but I consulted several collectors who confirmed it's Otho. And I pretty much prefer this kind of portrait but with obscured legend rather than a better legend with a worse portrait. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sulla80 Posted July 1, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 1, 2022 In Antioch Otho looks a lot like Nero. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted August 12, 2022 · Member Share Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted during the reign of OTHO in 69 A.D. Obv.IMP.M.OTHO.CAESAR.AVG.TR.P. Bare head r. Rev. SECVRITAS.P.R. Securitas stg. l., holding wreath and scepter. (another type publicizing the advantages of peace, in conjunction with the negotiations with Vitellius.) RCS #744. RICI #12 pg. 260. DVM #8a pg. 95. Edited August 12, 2022 by Jims,Coins 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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