Emperor Galba was born on this day. If you have a coin of him, share it. If not, post one you would love to own. My only coin of him. Galba (68 - 69 A.D.) AR Tetradrachm SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch O: AYTOKPATWP GALBA C KAICAP CEBACTOC, bare head right. R: Eagle standing left, wreath in beak, on two laurel branches; palm to left, ETOYC B (date) below. Antioch Mint 14.4g 26mm RPC I 4198; Prieur 100; SNG Copenhagen 163a
I'm away for Christmas so I do not have access to my coin images. So, I will just have to wish ole Galba a Happy Birthday!
A while ago in one of his posts, dougsmit made the observation that certain coins of Galba (viz., sestertii) might have been the apex of Roman engraving art on coins with emperors' portraits. This insight was somewhat of an eye-opener for me, and increased my appreciation of Roman coins as art rather than mainly political propaganda, the latter of which had been my previous impression of most Roman coins. I extend my thanks to Doug for this insight. Herewith a "mint set" of Galba: GALBA 68 - 69 A.D. AE Dupondius (13.55 g.) Rome 68 AD RIC 323 IMP SER SVLP GALBA - CAESAR AVG TR P Laureate and draped bust r. Rev. PAX AVGVSTA Pax standing left, holding olive branch and caduceus; S - C in field GALBA 68 - 69 A.D. AE Sestertius (28.10 g.) Rome late summer 68 AD RIC 309 IMP SER SVLP GALBA - CAESAR AVG TR P Laureate and draped bust r. Rev. LIBERTAS - PUBLICA Libertas standing l., holding pileus and long scepter; S - C in field GALBA 68 - 69 A.D. AR Denarius (3.71 gm.) Tarraco (?) April - late 68 A.D. RIC 64 Laureate head of Galba, globe at point of bust / Virtus GALBA 68 - 69 A.D. AV Aureus (7.57 g.). Tarraco (?) Apr. - late 68 A.D. RIC 56 SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P Laureate head r., w/globe at point of bust. Rev. LIBERTAS - PVBLICA Libertas, standing l., holding pileus leaning on scepter.
Ides proves the point that a combination of good die cutters and one ugly emperor makes for some mighty fine coins under Galba. Mine is a worn and polished pocket piece sestertius of no great collector value and has lost much of the detail it once had but Galba still has a look that makes him special to my eye.
I just have one as of Glaba's and hardly dare showing it after I've seen IoM's marvellous coins Galba, As minted in Rome AD 68 SER BALBA IMP CAESAR AVG PON M TR PPP, Laureate head of Galba right Rome seated left, SC in field 10,60 gr Ref : Cohen #182 Q
