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Denarius - Galba VIRTVS P R S C, Virtus and Roma
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 68-69 |
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| Composition | Silver |
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| Obverse description | Bare head of Galba facing right, with a slightly aged portrait rendered in the veristic tradition, depicting the emperor with naturalistic facial features. The bust is draped and faces right, with the portrait set within a beaded border. The encircling Latin legend reads SER GALBA IMP AVG, identifying the emperor as Servius Galba, Imperator and Augustus. The die-work is characteristic of the Rome mint during the brief Galban reign of AD 68–69, showing competent if somewhat hastily produced engraving consistent with the political turmoil of the Year of the Four Emperors. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Galba's reign lasted just seven months, from June 68 to January 69 AD, and his coinage reflects the frantic political signaling of a man who knew his hold on power was fragile. The VIRTVS P R legend — invoking the valor of the Roman people — was deliberate propaganda aimed at legitimizing a regime that had no dynastic claim whatsoever, only the backing of the Spanish legions and a Senate desperate to be rid of Nero.
He was murdered by the Praetorian Guard on January 15, 69 AD, in the Roman Forum. His head was carried through the streets on a pike.