Description
Servius Sulpicius Galba, as the First Emperor during the Year of the Four Emperors 8th Jun. 68 – 15th Jan. 69 AD, Silver Denarius (3.37g, 18mm), Rome mint, October to November 68 AD. Obverse: Laureate Head of Galba facing to the right, legend surrounds, “IMP. SER GALBA CAESAR AVG”. Reverse: Salus stands central facing to the left with right foot on globe, togate and resting upright rudder in left arm and holding patera over an altar in her outstretched right hand, legend surrounds, “SALVS GEN HVMANI”. RIC-211; RSC-242. Worn over high points and evenly over reverse, typical of a modest grade, an attractive piece, choice centring and with clear naming of Galba, his portrait of quite a distinguished and fine style, details near Very Fine, reverse good Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus”, naming the Emperor’s Regnal name in full. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Salūs Generi Hūmānī”, translating to “Salvation of Human kind” – the central figure is Salus, the goddess of safety and well-being (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. Portraying this particular Deity on Galba’s coinage was a clear political statement claiming that his reign would bring safety and well-being to the Roman State following the series of events of 68 AD: Nero’s fleeing of Rome, his trial in absentia and being condemned to death as a public enemy, and finally his suicide which ended the Julio-Claudian Dynasty.