Otho (69 AD) - Victory alighting right (VF)

Victory alighting right.  This depiction is most probably in anticipation of the defeat of Otho's rival Aulus Vitellius for the Imperial Throne.

Note Otho's wig on the obverse. The Emperor Otho, who ruled for a brief period in 69 AD during the Year of the Four Emperors, was known for his vanity and personal grooming habits. Historical accounts describe him as being of moderate height, splay-footed, and bandy-legged. He was meticulous about his appearance, to the extent that he had the hair on his body plucked and wore a wig to conceal his thinning hair. The wig was reportedly so well-made that it was not suspected to be a wig by observers. This attention to detail in his personal grooming was noted by ancient historians and is part of what we know about his character today.

Weight 3.13g

(ref:AHC083)