Sestertius - Galba (S P Q R O B CIV SER) (68-69) front Sestertius - Galba (S P Q R O B CIV SER) (68-69) back
Sestertius - Galba (S P Q R O B CIV SER) (68-69) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Galba S P Q R O B CIV SER

 
Bronze 24.5 g 35 mm
Description
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
24.5 g
Diameter
35 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#245069
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Legend in three lines oak-wreath

Script: Latin

Lettering: S P Q R O B CIV SER

Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanum Ob Cives Servatos
The senate and the Roman people to the saviour of the citizens.

Comment

Mass varies: 24.12–24.85 g;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius - Galba coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Galba, who ruled the Roman Empire from 68 to 69 AD. One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Galba on the obverse (front side), which is unusual because Galba was known for his plain and simple style, and he often refused to have his image appear on coins. Despite this, the coin still features a detailed portrait of the emperor, highlighting his distinctive facial features and his formal, imperial attire. This coin provides a unique glimpse into the life and reign of Galba, and it serves as a valuable historical artifact for collectors and historians alike.