Sestertius - Galba ROMA S C, Roma

Galba's reign lasted just seven months, from June 68 to January 69 AD, and his coinage reflects the chaotic scramble for legitimacy that followed Nero's suicide. This sestertius was struck at Rome as Galba attempted to consolidate support he never fully secured — his refusal to pay the donative promised to the Praetorian Guard in his name was the direct cause of their defection to Otho, which ended his life on the Palatine road.

RIC I #242 is among the better-documented issues of this reign, but Galban bronzes saw negligible circulation before the Year of the Four Emperors rendered them politically inconvenient.