Forces of Galba in Spain. Anonymous, 3 April-2nd half of June 68. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 3.73 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in Spain. Group II. GENIO P R Youthful head of the Genius of the Roman people to right; behind, cornucopiae. Rev. MARTI [VLT]ORI Mars, nude but for helmet and parazonium slung around his chest, advancing right, wielding spear in his right hand and holding shield in his left. BMC 2. CG 45.1 (this coin). Cohen 384. Martin 34. Nicolas 30. RIC 17. Rare. A splendid piece, beautifully toned, well centered and struck on excellent metal. A few light marks, otherwise, good very fine.


Even within a specific series such as the GENIO P R issue, the stylistic differences in the anonymous civil war coinage struck by the forces of Galba are remarkable. Clearly there are different groups, but whether these reflect artists of a different skill level or differing mints altogether remains unclear. In any case, the style of the present is certainly much finer than that of Group I above and Group III below and reminiscent of the unusually fine coins of the BONVS EVENTVS issue (Group X and lots 1034-1036 below).