Interesting Coin Struck in 68 AD In AD 68 Galba became Imperator (Caesar) of the Roman Empire and commisioned the mint at Narbo to strike a silver Denarius weighing 3 1/2 grains and measuring 18.37mm. The obverse features the laureated head of Galba facing right and the words, SER GALBA - IMPERATOR and the reverse features Concordia standing facing left holding a branch, and a cornucopia plus the words CONCORDIA - PROVINCIARVM. In Roman divinity Concordia is the goddess of agreement, understanding, and harmony. Concordia correlates to the Greek Harmonia, who symbolizes the composition of the parts in proper balance. His attributes are: 1. The patera which refers to religious piety. 2. The coirnucopia which denotes prosperity. 3. The caduceus symbolizing peace. Like to know how Galba became a Caesar of Rome and the why of this coin being minted bearing those words? During the bloody years of the Four Emperors the concept of Peace and Harmony became a universal and non-partisan battle-cry. Otho used the legend Pax Orbis Terrarum. Vitellius proclaimed Harmony and Fides. Vespasian choose the PAX. Galba declared ROMA RENASCENS announcing a reached CONCORDIA PROVINCIARUM. That legend became Galba's political cause propelling him through the stages of reaching consensus and the garnering of power by Galba. He became Praetor in 20, and consul in 33; he earned a reputation in the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Africa, and Hispania (Iberia, comprising modern Spain and Portugal) for his military capability, strictness and impartiality. On the death of Caligula, he refused the invitation of his friends to make a bid for the empire, and loyally served Claudius. For the first half of Nero's reign he lived in retirement, until 61, when the emperor bestowed on him the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. In the spring of 68, Galba was informed of Nero's intention to put him to death, and of the insurrection of Julius Vindex in Gaul. He was at first inclined to follow the example of Vindex, but Vindex's defeat and suicide renewed his hesitation. The news that Nymphidius Sabinius, the Praetorian Prefect, had pledged Galba his support revived Galba's spirits. Until now, he had only dared to call himself the legate of the senate and Roman people; after Nero's suicide (June 9, 68, Galba assumed the title of Caesar, and marched straight for Rome. Following Nero's death, Nymphidius Sabinus sought to seize power prior to the arrival of Galba, but he could not win the loyalty of the Praetorian guard and was killed. Upon Galba's approach to the city in October, he was met by soldiers presenting demands; Galba replied by killing many of them. Alas, Galba only reigned for seven months (68-69). Galba's primary concern during his brief reign was restoring state finances, and to this end he undertook a number of unpopular measures, the most dangerous was his refusal to pay the praetorians the reward promised in his name. Galba scorned the notion that soldiers should be " bribed" for their loyalty. He further disgusted the populace by his meanness and dislike of pomp and display. Advanced age destroyed his energy, and he was entirely in the hands of favourites. Three of these — Totus Vinius, who became Galba's colleague as consul, Cornelius Laco, the commander of the Praetorian Guared, and Galba's freedman Icelus Marcianus — were said to virtually control the emperor. The three were called "The Three Pedagouges" because of their influence on Galba. All this made the new emperor gravely unpopular. On 1 January 69, two legions in Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to Galba. They toppled his statues, demanding that a new emperor be chosen. On the following day, the soldiers of Germania Inferior also rebelled and took the decision of who should be the next emperor into their own hands, proclaiming the governor of the province, Vitellius, as emperor. This outbreak of revolt made Galba aware of his own unpopularity and of the general discontent. In order to check the rising storm, he adopted as his coadjutor and successor L. Caprurnius Piso. The populace regarded the choice of successor as a sign of fear and the Praetorians were indignant, because the promised reward was not forthcoming. M. Salvius Otho, formerly governor of Lusitania, and one of Galba's earliest supporters, disappointed at not being chosen instead of Piso, conspired with discontented praetorians who adopted Otho as Emperor. Galba at once set out to meet the rebels, though he was so feeble that he had to be carried in a litter. He was met by a troop of Otho's cavalry and was killed near Lacus. Here's a photo courtesy of Coin Archives: http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=416271&AucID=749&Lot=302&Val=6c983116864fc9c04ecd08c402ca426d "And now you know, the rest of the story." (Paul Harvey's sign-off) Clinker
Thanks KoinJester for saying so, but I, too, learn something everytime I look for trivia peertinent to numismatics. I get a good feeling when I find some interesting enough to share... Clinker
