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RIC I (second edition) Galba 309

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 309. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Galba, laureate and draped, right, with the legend IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P. The reverse shows libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and rod in left, with the legend LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Galba 310.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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

Servius Sulpicius Galba was a Roman emperor who ruled for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 until 15 January AD 69. Taking advantage of the defeat of the rebellion of Vindex and the suicide of Emperor Nero, he assumed the throne as the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors, backed by the Praetorian Guard.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features the obverse legend "IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P" accompanying the laureate and draped bust of the emperor. The reverse design portrays a draped figure of Libertas standing left, holding a pileus in her right hand and a rod in her left, accompanied by the inscription "LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C". In the Roman monetary system, the sestertius was historically valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses, providing a denomination useful for commerce.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Bust of Galba, laureate and draped, right
Reverse
Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and rod in left
Obverse legend
IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend
LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 309
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C
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 310

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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