Galba, 68-69. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.57 g, 6 h), Rome, July 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA AVG Bare head of Galba to right. Rev. S P Q R / OB / C S in three lines within oak wreath. BMC -, cf. p. 314 note. CBN 76. Cohen 287 corr. RIC 167. Beautifully toned and with an exceptionally detailed portrait of particularly fine style. Minor areas of weakness and with a few faint scratches, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.



Lucius Livius Ocella Servius Sulpicius Galba, known simply as Galba, stood in sharp contrast to Nero. Born in 3 BC into an old senatorial family, he was famed for his adherence to the mos maiorum and enjoyed a long political and military career, earning the ornamenta triumphalia in 46 for victories in Germany and Africa. In 60 he became governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, where, after Vindex’s revolt in 68, he reluctantly claimed power as legatus Senatus Populique Romani. Only after the Senate recognized him on June 8 did he accept the imperial titles, prompting Nero’s suicide. Galba’s respect for the Senate reflected his honorable character, but his strict discipline soon cost him support: in early 69 the Praetorians defected to Otho, who secured their loyalty with bribes.

The present denarius bears a particularly magnificent portrait of Galba - a stern likeness of exceptional refinement, embodying the mos maiorum and deliberately contrasting with the luxuriant, philhellenic portraits of Nero.