The “Key” to a Twelve Caesars Set: Otho’s Elusive Aureus and the Symbolism of Securitas

Marcus Salvius Otho, one of Rome’s most ephemeral emperors, ruled for a mere 90 days in AD 69, yet his legacy endures through the extreme rarity of his gold aurei, among the most sought-after coins in the Twelve Caesars series. Struck during one of the most turbulent years in Roman history—the Year of the Four Emperors—this aureus is a numismatic treasure, bearing both a striking portrait of Otho and a powerful depiction of Securitas, the goddess of stability and security. The irony is inescapable: a ruler whose reign was anything but secure chose to immortalize Securitas on his coinage, a poignant reminder of the chaos that defined his brief time on the throne.

The Coin: Otho’s Image and the Elusive Promise of Stability

This gold aureus (18mm, 7.21 gm, 6h), struck in Rome, features a striking portrait of Otho on the obverse, inscribed with IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, affirming his status as emperor and tribune of the people. The portrait is notable for capturing his distinctive appearance, which ancient sources, such as Suetonius, describe in colorful terms—he was vain, wore a wig to disguise early baldness, and was obsessed with his personal image.

The reverse is where the coin’s deeper significance emerges. It depicts Securitas standing left, holding a wreath in her outstretched right hand and a scepter cradled in her left arm. The inscription, SECVR-I-TAS P R, translates to “The Security of the Roman People.” The imagery conveys an official message of peace and stability—an ironic and perhaps desperate attempt to project confidence at a time when Otho’s reign was anything but secure.

Securitas: The Goddess of Stability in a World of Unrest

In Roman religion and imperial propaganda, Securitas was the personification of stability, safety, and the enduring strength of the empire. She was often depicted in a relaxed, confident pose, sometimes leaning on a column or holding a scepter, symbolizing the unshakable foundation of Roman rule. Her presence on coinage was a political statement: an assurance to the Roman people that the emperor could maintain peace and order.

However, in the case of Otho’s aureus, this message rings hollow. His rule was anything but stable—his ascension was marked by the violent assassination of Galba, and his downfall came swiftly at the hands of Vitellius’ advancing legions. The presence of Securitas on his coinage may have been a calculated attempt to reassure the people of Rome, the Senate, and the legions that his rule would bring stability after Galba’s unpopular and short-lived reign. But within weeks, it became clear that Otho was fighting an unwinnable battle.

Otho: From Nero’s Confidant to a Doomed Emperor

Born in AD 32 to an affluent but relatively new senatorial family, Otho’s early years were spent in the lavish court of Emperor Nero, where he became a close confidant and companion in extravagance. However, his fortunes took a dramatic turn when Nero became infatuated with Poppaea Sabina, Otho’s wife. To remove his rival, Nero exiled Otho to Lusitania (modern Portugal), where he served as governor for a decade. Far from the reckless aristocrat of his youth, Otho emerged as an efficient and well-liked administrator, biding his time as the empire spiraled toward crisis.

When Nero was overthrown in AD 68, Otho allied himself with Galba, the elderly general who had taken power. Expecting to be named heir, Otho was humiliated when Galba chose Piso Licinianus instead. Seething with betrayal, Otho plotted one of the most infamous coups in Roman history—bribing the Praetorian Guard to turn on Galba, who was brutally murdered in the Forum on January 15, AD 69. The Senate, with little alternative, proclaimed Otho emperor.

A Doomed Reign and an Honorable End

Despite his bloody rise to power, Otho did not rule as a tyrant. Ancient historians, including Tacitus, suggest that he sought compromise and unity, even attempting to negotiate with his rival, Vitellius, rather than plunge Rome into further chaos. But the legions of Germania, fiercely loyal to Vitellius, were already marching south.

The two armies clashed at the Battle of Bedriacum, near Cremona. Otho’s forces suffered a crushing defeat, but rather than drag Rome into prolonged civil war, he made a decision unheard of in Roman history—he chose to sacrifice himself for the good of the empire. On April 16 (or 17), AD 69, Otho fell on his sword, declaring that he would not allow more Roman blood to be spilled in his name. His soldiers, many of whom remained fiercely loyal, wept at his funeral, and even some of his former enemies admired his selflessness.

The Rarity and Significance of Otho’s Aureus

Due to the extreme brevity of his reign, Otho’s coinage is among the rarest in the Twelve Caesars series. His aurei, in particular, are incredibly scarce, making them a prized target for collectors. Their rarity is compounded by the high demand among numismatists, as completing a Twelve Caesars set is nearly impossible without Otho’s elusive gold issues.

This specific aureus, with its striking portrait and the evocative image of Securitas, serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of power. Otho’s attempt to reassure Rome through the imagery of stability and peace stands in stark contrast to the brutal reality of his reign—a ruler who, for all his flaws, chose honor over ambition in his final act.

Today, the “Key” to a Twelve Caesars collection, Otho’s aureus is not just a rare artifact but a symbol of one of the most dramatic and short-lived reigns in Roman history. It tells a story of betrayal, ambition, sacrifice, and the ultimate irony of a man who sought security yet ruled in the most insecure of times.