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Galba
Galba, 68-69. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.57 g, 6 h), Rome, circa July 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG Laureate and draped bust of Galba to right. Rev. DIVA AVGVSTA Livia standing front, head to left, holding patera in her right hand and long scepter in her left. BMC 6. CBN -. Cohen 55. RIC 189. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 1, 29 March 1989, 808. Ex. Leu Numismatik, Auction 15, 1 June 2024, lot 239.
Galba, born Servius Sulpicius Galba in 3 BCE, ascended to the throne during a turbulent period in Roman history known as the Year of the Four Emperors (69 CE). A member of an ancient patrician family, Galba’s political and military career spanned decades before he became emperor. He served under emperors Augustus, Tiberius, and Claudius, earning a reputation as a capable administrator and disciplined general. However, his short reign as emperor was marked by missteps and instability.
Galba rose to power following the death of Emperor Nero, whose erratic rule had plunged the empire into chaos. Galba’s claim to the throne was supported by the Praetorian Guard and the Senate, as well as several provincial governors. However, his reign was immediately challenged by significant internal dissent. Galba’s strict and austere leadership style, which had been an asset in his earlier career, proved a liability as emperor. He alienated the military by refusing to grant promised rewards, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the legions.
Moreover, Galba’s decision to adopt Lucius Calpurnius Piso as his heir without consulting key factions, particularly the Praetorian Guard, further destabilized his position. The move enraged Marcus Salvius Otho, a former ally who had expected to be named successor. Otho quickly rallied support among disaffected soldiers and orchestrated a coup.
On January 15, 69 CE, Galba was assassinated in the Roman Forum by members of the Praetorian Guard, ending his brief and tumultuous reign of only seven months. His death symbolized the volatility of Roman politics during this era, as competing factions vied for control of the empire. Although his reign was fleeting, Galba’s rise and fall highlight the fragility of power in the Roman imperial system, particularly during periods of crisis.
Many of Galba's coins are found in lower quality, well worn, with off-center strikes, or mis-shapen flans. However nice denarii do exist and with some patience they are obtainable. There are many different portrait styles of Galba. Some are very austere and Roman, others are more rotund and eastern. The austere types tend to be a bit more expensive, but neither is objectively better. This coin has a bold portrait in the Eastern style. The surfaces are clean and lustrous with beautiful toning.