The entirety of Otho’s coinage falls within a span of three months. After Emperor Galba was murdered on 15 January 69 A.D., Otho was placed in command by the praetorian guard and was assisted in his ascent to power by his public popularity. No bronzes were commissioned during these three months, but as gold and silver were needed to pay the army, both aurei and denarii were struck. Because Otho’s power base was in Italy, it is widely accepted that all his coins were struck in Rome. The coinage of Otho is noted for its neat appearance and careful production with compact and tidy portraits. After the defeat of his troops at the battle of Bedriacum, he committed suicide on 17 April 69 CE, thus ending his short rule. Christina Dickerson 2011.