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RIC I (second edition) Galba 475

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 475. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Galba, laureate and draped, right, with the legend SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P.

The reverse shows honos, bare to waist, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and cornucopiae in left, facing Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding parazonium in right hand and spear in left, resting right foot on boar's head, with the legend HONOS ET VIRTVS 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 was a Roman emperor who ruled for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 until 15 January AD 69. He became the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors, assuming the imperial throne after the suicide of Nero and with the initial support of the Praetorian Guard. His brief administration ended when he was murdered on the orders of Otho.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the mint of Rome. In imperial Roman coinage, the sestertius was a large denomination, useful for commerce and nominally valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses. The obverse presents Galba alongside the legend "SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P". The reverse depicts the personifications Honos and Virtus facing one another, accompanied by the inscription "HONOS ET VIRTVS S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Bust of Galba, laureate and draped, right
Reverse
Honos, bare to waist, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and cornucopiae in left, facing Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding parazonium in right hand and spear in left, resting right foot on boar's head
Obverse legend
SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend
HONOS ET VIRTVS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 475
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
HONOS ET VIRTVS 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 478

    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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