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RIC I (second edition) Galba 375

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 375. Denomination: As. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Galba, bare, right, with the legend IMP SER GALBA CAES AVG TR P. The reverse shows vesta, draped, seated left on low chair, holding palladium in right hand and sceptre in left, with the legend VESTA S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 ruled as Roman emperor for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 until his death on 15 January 69. Having previously served as praetor, consul, and provincial governor, he assumed imperial power with the support of the Praetorian Guard following the suicide of Emperor Nero. Galba was the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors, a brief reign that ended when he was murdered on the orders of Otho.

This bronze as was struck at the Rome mint under Galba's authority. The obverse presents the emperor's bare head accompanied by the inscription IMP SER GALBA CAES AVG TR P. On the reverse, the goddess Vesta is depicted draped and seated upon a low chair, holding a palladium and a sceptre, framed by the legend VESTA S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Head of Galba, bare, right
Reverse
Vesta, draped, seated left on low chair, holding palladium in right hand and sceptre in left
Obverse legend
IMP SER GALBA CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend
VESTA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 375
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP SER GALBA CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
VESTA 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 374

    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.
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