Galba, 68-69. As (Copper, 27 mm, 11.69 g, 5 h), Tarraco, circa September-December 68. SER•GALBA•IMP•AVGVSTVS Laureate head of Galba to right, globe at point of bust. Rev. QVADRAGENSVMAE REMISSAE / S C Triumphal arch surmounted by two equestrian statues riding to left; three captives with hands tied behind backs at left advancing to right, led by an officer under the archway. BMC 205, *. Cohen 166. RIC 84. Very rare and in exceptional condition for this important issue. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.



The reverse of this important as of Galba presents an imposing arch topped by two equestrian statues. Beneath it, an officer leads three bound captives through the gateway, followed by another soldier urging them forward. The scene probably alludes to Galba’s dramatic purge of the Neronian procurators in Spain and Gaul—officials accused both of extorting the provincials and of denouncing Galba to Nero. Two of these men, Olbutronius Sabinus and Cornelius Marcellus, are known by name; the identity of the third remains uncertain. No triumphal arch corresponding to this design is known from archaeology or literature, and given the extreme brevity of Galba’s reign it is unlikely that such a monument was ever constructed. The type therefore appears to be an idealised representation of the honors anticipated for Galba rather than a depiction of a real building. The accompanying legend, QVADRAGENSVMAE REMISSAE, refers to his abolition of the quadragensima, the 2.5 percent customs duty he remitted to the provinces of Gaul and Spain in gratitude for their support of his revolt against Nero.