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RIC I (second edition) Galba 70

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Galba 70. Denomination: As. Authority: Galba. Mint: Tarraco. The obverse shows head of Galba, laureate, right; globe at point of neck, with the legend SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS. The reverse shows libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right and rod in left, with the legend LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Galba 423.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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. Formerly governor of Hispania under Nero, Galba became the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors after Nero's suicide and the defeat of Vindex's rebellion, securing power with the support of the Praetorian Guard.

This bronze as was struck under Galba's authority at the mint of Tarraco in Hispania. The obverse presents the emperor's laureate portrait, accompanied by the inscription "SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS". The reverse displays the personification of Libertas, draped and holding a pileus and a rod, framed by the legend "LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Tarraco
Authority
Galba

Design

Obverse
Head of Galba, laureate, right; globe at point of neck
Reverse
Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right and rod in left
Obverse legend
SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Galba 70
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
LIBERTAS PVBLICA 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 71

    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 423

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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