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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Galba 164

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

This coin is an aureus categorized under the type reference RIC I (second edition) Galba 164. Its obverse depicts the bare head of Galba facing right, accompanied by the legend IMP SER GALBA AVG. The reverse features an oak-wreath enclosing a two-line legend that reads S P Q R OB C S.

The recorded material of the coin is gold. It was produced for the mint of Rome under the authority of Galba. No date, manufacturing technique, dimensions, or holding institution are recorded for the entry. The item is identified by the catalogue reference number ric.1(2).gal.164 within the RIC and OCRE catalogue, sourced from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
8
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Galba was a Roman emperor who ruled for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 to 15 January 69. The first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors, he assumed the throne with the support of the Praetorian Guard following the suicide of Emperor Nero. Galba's reign concluded when he was murdered on the orders of Otho.

The coin features the obverse legend "IMP SER GALBA AVG" alongside a reverse showing the legend "S P Q R OB C S" set within an oak-wreath.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Head of Galba, bare, right
Reverse
Legend in two lines oak-wreath
Obverse legend
IMP SER GALBA AVG
Reverse legend
S P Q R OB C S

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 164
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP SER GALBA AVG
Reverse legend to match
S P Q R OB C S
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Galba 163

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Galba 165

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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