Galba, as Imperator. 3 April-2nd half of June 68. Denarius (Silver, 16 mm, 3.59 g, 5 h), uncertain mint in Spain. GALBA IMPER[ATOR] Galba, in military attire, on horseback to right, wielding spear in his right hand.
Rev. ROMA RENASCENS Roma advancing right, holding Victory on globe in her right hand and long eagle-tipped scepter in her left. BMC -, cf. 210 and pl. 54, 10 (
same reverse die, but differing obverse legend). CG 69.1 (
this coin). Cohen -, cf. 215 (differing obverse legend). RIC -, cf. 88 (differing obverse legend). Apparently unique and unpublished save for its previous auction appearances. Lightly toned and of particular interest. A few minor scratches
, otherwise, very fine.
From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Christian Gollnow, ex Baldwin's 99, 4 May 2016, 285 and Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII.6, December 2000, RM0012.
As noted on lot 1037 above, the reverse die match between these two coins closely links the anonymous Spanish issues to the named coinage of Galba. They were either struck simultaneously, or the anonymous reverse die was retained and reused by the mint in the newly conceived coinage of Galba Imperator.