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Denarius - Galba VIRTVS, Virtus and Victory
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 68-69 |
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| Reference(s) | RIC I#30 |
| Obverse description | Bare-headed, laureate bust of Emperor Galba facing right, rendered with characteristic aged, strong-featured portraiture typical of the Year of the Four Emperors coinage. A small globe appears at the base of the neck truncation, serving as a symbol of universal dominion. The legend encircles the bust in Latin capitals within a beaded border. The die work reflects the somewhat irregular fabric of hastily produced military coinage from this brief reign. |
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| Obverse lettering | GALBA IMP (Translation: Galba Imperator Galba, supreme commander (Imperator).) |
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| Additional information |
Galba's seven-month reign generated an enormous volume of coinage — not from established imperial mints, but from a mobile military mint that followed his forces out of Hispania Tarraconensis. The sheer propaganda density of his silver issues reflects a man who needed to legitimize a coup in metal, fast. VIRTVS types were part of a deliberate program to appeal to legionary loyalty at a moment when multiple other generals were eyeing the same throne.
He was dead by January 69, killed in the Forum by Otho's men.