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.
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GALBA - SESTERTIUS - ROMAN COIN
GALBA - SESTERTIUS - ROMAN COIN
£ 215.00
ROMAN. GALBA (68-69 A.D). BRASS SESTERTIUS. RARE.
ROMAN. GALBA (68-69 A.D). BRASS SESTERTIUS. RARE.
£ 395.00
ANCIENT AE SESTERTIUS / MEDALLION GALBA RARE , very corroded
ANCIENT AE SESTERTIUS / MEDALLION GALBA RARE , very corroded
£ 102.93
68-69 AD Ancient Roman Coin Emperor Caesar Galba - Silver Plated Sestertius 36mm
68-69 AD Ancient Roman Coin Emperor Caesar Galba - Silver Plated Sestertius 36mm
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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
AD 68-69 ROMAN EMPIRE GALBA AE SESTERTIUS CONCORDIA ROME MINT NGC FINE RIC380
AD 68-69 ROMAN EMPIRE GALBA AE SESTERTIUS CONCORDIA ROME MINT NGC FINE RIC380
£ 313.47
Roman Imperial ae Sestertius Coin of Galba   VICTORY   Minted November 68 AD
Roman Imperial ae Sestertius Coin of Galba VICTORY Minted November 68 AD
£ 471.26
Galba AE Sestertius "Libertas, Pileus" Rome RIC 388 Good Fine
Galba AE Sestertius "Libertas, Pileus" Rome RIC 388 Good Fine
£ 569.96

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