Galba denarius

Silver denarius of Emperor Galba, struck at the Rome mint during his reign 68-69 CE. 3.22 g, 19 mm. Obverse legend IMP SER GALBA AVG encloses a right-facing laureate portrait with fine facial detail. Reverse bears the inscription SPQR / OB / C S arranged in three lines within a closed laurel wreath of thin tied branches. Struck on a compact round flan with high-relief devices; surfaces typically display light cabinet toning ranging from pale gray to golden highlights. Reference literature: RIC I² Galba 167; also BMCRE 6; Cohen 287; RSC 287.

minted in Rome during Galba's seven-month rule at the start of the Year of the Four Emperors, this type proclaims SPQR OB C S, The Senate and People of Rome, for good service, affirming senatorial approval of his accession after Nero's fall. The issue illustrates Galba's attempt to legitimize his brief authority through traditional republican imagery.