RIC I (second edition) Galba 472
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC I (second edition) Galba 472. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Galba, laureate, right with aegis, with the legend SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P.
The reverse shows galba, in military dress, seated left on curule chair, holding parazonium in left hand and extending right hand to female figure, draped, standing right, holding palladium in right hand and cornucopia in left, with the legend HISPANIA CLVNIA SVL 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
Servius Sulpicius Galba ruled as Roman emperor for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 until his murder on 15 January AD 69. Formerly governor of Hispania under Nero, Galba assumed the throne with the support of the Praetorian Guard following Nero's suicide, becoming the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. This bronze sestertius was struck at the Rome mint under his authority.
The sestertius served as an ancient Roman coin useful for commerce, valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses during the Roman Republic, and produced as a large brass coin during the Roman Empire. The obverse features Galba with the title "SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P". The reverse legend "HISPANIA CLVNIA SVL S C" accompanies a design showing Galba seated on a curule chair in military dress, extending his hand towards a draped female figure holding a palladium and a cornucopia.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bronze
- Denomination
- Sestertius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Galba
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Galba, laureate, right with aegis
- Reverse
- Galba, in military dress, seated left on curule chair, holding parazonium in left hand and extending right hand to female figure, draped, standing right, holding palladium in right hand and cornucopia in left
- Obverse legend
- SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
- Reverse legend
- HISPANIA CLVNIA SVL S C
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC I (second edition) Galba 472
- Denomination and metal
- Sestertius, Bronze
- Obverse legend to match
- SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
- Reverse legend to match
- HISPANIA CLVNIA SVL 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
- RIC / OCREric.1(2).gal.472
Varieties
RIC I (second edition) Galba 470
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 473
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.