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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Galba 498

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 498. Denomination: As. Authority: Galba. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Galba, laureate, right, with the legend SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P.

The reverse shows pax, draped, standing at angle to left, holding cornucopia in left hand and setting fire to pile of arms with torch with right, with the legend PAXS AVGVSTI 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

Servius Sulpicius Galba ruled as Roman emperor for seven months, from 8 June AD 68 to 15 January AD 69. The first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors, he assumed the imperial throne with the backing of the Praetorian Guard after the suicide of Nero and the defeat of Vindex's rebellion. His short reign concluded when he was murdered on the orders of Otho.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze as names the emperor on the obverse with the inscription "SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P". The reverse depicts Pax draped, holding a cornucopia in her left hand while applying a torch to ignite a pile of arms, accompanied by the legend "PAXS AVGVSTI S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Head of Galba, laureate, right
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing at angle to left, holding cornucopia in left hand and setting fire to pile of arms with torch with right
Obverse legend
SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend
PAXS AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 498
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend to match
PAXS AVGVSTI 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 496

    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 497

    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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