© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
Sestertius - Galba HONOS ET VIRTVS S C; Honos and Virtus
| Bronze | 27.94 g | 36 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Galba (Servius Sulpicius Galba) (68-69) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 68-69 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 27.94 g |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#245274 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Honos, bare to waist, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and cornucopiae in left, facing Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding parazonium in right hand and spear in left, resting right foot on boar's head
Script: Latin
Lettering: HONOS ET VIRTVS S C
Translation:
Honos Et Virtus, Senatus Consultum
Honour and virtue. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius - Galba coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Galba, who ruled the Roman Empire from 68 to 69 AD. The coin's obverse side features a portrait of Galba, while the reverse side depicts the gods Honos (Honor) and Virtus (Virtue) standing together, symbolizing the values that Galba's administration aimed to promote. The coin's design was meant to convey the idea that Galba's rule would bring honor and virtue back to the Roman Empire, which had been facing various challenges and conflicts in the years leading up to his reign. Despite the coin's positive message, Galba's rule was cut short when he was assassinated in 69 AD, and the coin remains a valuable piece of history for collectors and historians today.
