Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Galba 451

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 451. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Galba, laureate, right, with the legend SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P.

The reverse shows roma, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left; resting left arm on trophy; shield at feet, with the legend ROMA S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features the obverse legend "SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P" alongside the laureate portrait of the emperor. The sestertius served as an ancient Roman denomination, valued during the imperial period as a quarter of a denarius and useful for commerce. The reverse bears the inscription "ROMA S C" accompanying a depiction of Roma in military dress, holding Victory on a globe and an eagle-tipped sceptre, with an arm resting on a trophy and a shield at her feet.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Head of Galba, laureate, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left; resting left arm on trophy; shield at feet
Obverse legend
SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend
ROMA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 451
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
ROMA 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 452

    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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference