68AD Sestertius – Galba

68AD Sestertius Galba Obverse

The 68AD Sestertius - Galba

Orichalcum Sestertius of Emperor Galba minted in 68AD at the Rome Mint. Orichalcum is a golden-coloured bronze alloy that was often used in ancient Rome coinage. Diameter 35mm and weighs about 26.85g.

The Obverse shows the laureate and draped bust of Emperor Galba. Legend is "IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P".

The edge is plain.

The Reverse shows the Goddess Libertas standing facing left extending a pileus in her right hand. Legend around is "LIBERTAS PVBLICA". Divided across is "S C". SC means senatus consultum, or 'by decree of the Senate' so the coin was an official issue.

Image credit: Museums Victoria


Mintage: Not known
Minted at Roman Mint.
Remember 68 ?
Britain was occupied by the Romans, but by 69AD in the Roman Empire it was The Year of the Four Emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian.
Galba (Emperor 68AD-69AD)
Classification: Roman Emperor, Roman Imperial

Galba was the sixth Emperor and ruled from 8 June 68AD until 15 January 69AD. Galba was already leading a revolt when Nero died, and having the support of the Praetorian Guard he became Emperor. However, after failing to pay the donative he promised the Guard he was assassinated after a few months. 69AD was called the year of the four emperors and Galba was the first.

Official title: SERVIVS SVLPICIVS GALBA CAESAR AVGVSTVS.
Category: Roman
The Roman Empire was one of the largest Empires in history, covering most of Europe, Britain, parts of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. It was in existence from 27BC to 476AD, more than 500 years. And all these places used Roman coins throughout the era.

Originally coins were minted only in Rome, but by the third Century there were mints in other countries too. These mints sometimes produced more than 2 million coins per month to meet demand. Coins typically depicted the Emperor on one side and some other image or letters on the other. During the Empire, more than 10,000 different types of coins were created using copper, silver and gold.

Roman coins are usually classified as:

- Roman Republican Coins (about 300BC - 27BC)
- Roman Imperial Coins (27BC - 96AD)
- Roman Imperial Coins (96AD - 235AD)
- Roman Imperial Coins (235AD - 476AD)
- Roman Provincial Coins

The Denarius was the standard Roman silver coin and there were a range of others. As a guide, in the early republic (after 211BC) there was the Sestertius (=4 denarii), Dupondius (=5), As (=10, a tenner), Semis (=20), Quincunx (=24), Triens (=30), Quadrans (=40), Uncia (=120) and Solidus (=1000, it was gold). Values fluctuated later due to debasement and inflation.

The standard gold coin was the Aureus and was equal to 25 denarii or 100 sestertii. It's not far off the weight of a modern gold sovereign. The Aureus was introduced by Julius Caesar around 49BC and was the principal gold coin until about the 4th century when it was replaced by the gold Solidus.

The great part of this is that you can put together a really nice Roman coin collection with very little money, as many coins (although not all) are common and inexpensive. The coins are the best part of 2000 years old and are exciting to collect.

For more information see our articles:
Which Mint: Roman Mint
The origins of the Rome mint are from the manufacture of a silver coin near to the Temple of Juno Moneta back in 269BC. Juno was the personification of money.

Due to the size of the Roman Empire, Rome could not produce all the coins needed and Roman mints were set up in 27 locations, and there were more than 600 provincial mints scattered about the Empire. During overseas campaigns, Generals such as Caesar and Marc Anthony would mint their own coins to pay their armies.

Mint marks were used on the coins to differentiate the mint of manufacture.
Country of Origin: Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ran from 27BC to 476AD and was the post-Republican period of ancient Rome. It covered a large territory of Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It was ruled by an Emperor.
If you don't see a coin in the list below try the Roman page on eBay UK
As an eBay Partner, We may be compensated if you make a purchase.

List items on:

@MRS NVMIS@ ROMAN IMPERIAL. GALBA (68-69 A.D). BRASS SESTERTIUS. VERY RARE.
@MRS NVMIS@ ROMAN IMPERIAL. GALBA (68-69 A.D). BRASS SESTERTIUS. VERY RARE.
£ 245.00
Galba, AE sestertius, Rome 68-69 AD. Libertas, holding pileus and rod, RIC I 309
Galba, AE sestertius, Rome 68-69 AD. Libertas, holding pileus and rod, RIC I 309
£ 275.00
Galba (Roman Emperor 68-69 CE) Bronze Sestertius
Galba (Roman Emperor 68-69 CE) Bronze Sestertius
£ 118.79
ROMAN EMPIRE. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius, good portrait, NGC Good
ROMAN EMPIRE. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius, good portrait, NGC Good
£ 209.45
Galba, AE sestertius, Rome 68 AD, legend in wreath, as RIC I 434, very rare
Galba, AE sestertius, Rome 68 AD, legend in wreath, as RIC I 434, very rare
£ 425.00
Ancient Roman Coin, Galba AE Sestertius, Decent Portrait, Great Budget Coin
Ancient Roman Coin, Galba AE Sestertius, Decent Portrait, Great Budget Coin
£ 149.38
ROMAN BRONZE SESTERTIUS SER GALBA 68-69 AD LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C  Libertas standi
ROMAN BRONZE SESTERTIUS SER GALBA 68-69 AD LIBERTAS PVBLICA S C Libertas standi
£ 549.99
Roman Bronze Coin -- Galba Sestertius
Roman Bronze Coin -- Galba Sestertius
£ 136.10

List items on: