2020-01-15 Wed

Emperor Galba originally known as Servius Sulpicius Galba was the Emperor of Rome for seven months from 68 to 69CE. He was the governor of Hispania Taaraconesis at the time of the rebellion of Julius Vindex in Gaul. He seized the throne following Emperor Nero’s suicide.

In seven months of the administration, his biggest concern was to stabilize the state’s finances. The span of his reign was short comparatively, yet coins were minted. The coinage of Galba consists of denominations like Aureus, Denarius, Tetradrachm, Dupondius, AS, Drachma, etc.

The above-shown coin is a silver sestertius of Emperor Galba which was circulated around 68 AD - 69 CE. The obverse of this coin depicts the laureated head of Galba facing right. The reverse illustrates Galba addressing troops from the platform, official next to him, to right, two lictors standing right and two legionnaires standing left holding standards, S-C across fields.

Because he was in his old age and his hold on the throne weak, Galba adopted Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus as his son and heir. This decision angered his long-time supporter Otho, who had considered himself the rightful successor. With no alternative and the support of the military, Otho bribed the Praetorian Guards who murdered both Galba and Piso on 15th January, 69.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions