Roman Empire, Galba as Roman Emperor (68-69), AR Denarius, AD 68-69, mint of Rome

Obv. IMP SER – GALBA AVG, bare head right. 

Rev. S P Q R / O·B / C – S, three lines within oak wreath. 

Silver, 3.22 g, 18.6 mm. RIC 170; RSC 287.

Grade: Good Very Fine. Banker's mark on emperor's neck.

The period of the civil war of 68-69 is an extremely interesting episode in the history of the coinage of the Roman Empire. The coins minted during this short time were very diverse and had primarily political and ideological overtones. It is no different in the case of the first of the four emperors. This coin was minted when Galba was already in power, as evidenced by the title august (AVG) at the end of the legend on the obverse. The inscription on the reverse O·B / C – S (Ob Cives Servatos) is a kind of presentation of the political programme. In order to legitimize his power, the new emperor wanted to show that he cared most about the happiness of his citizens, and under his rule a new, more prosperous era would come for the people. Fortune, however, did not give Galba a chance to carry out this magnanimous plan. After six months and a few days of imperial power, this opportunity passed into the hands of the new ruler.