424, Lot: 454. Estimate $150. Sold for $100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.39 g, 7h). Uncertain mint in Gaul (Narbo?). Struck circa April-late autumn AD 68. [SER GALBA] IMPERATOR, laureate head right / [VIC]TORIA P R, Victory standing facing, head left, on globe, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling palm frond in left arm. RIC I 111; RSC 322. Fine, toned, porous. Rare.

This rare denarius is from a small issue of coins struck in Gaul after Galba’s salutation as imperator on 2 April AD 68. As later issues from the same mint have his title augustus and follow the development of his titulature in Rome, it is likely that this particular coin is from an issue prior to his official assumption of the title in mid-June AD 68.

In contrast to his Spanish mints, coinage from this Gallic mint exhibits a larger, more refined bust with wonderful, personalized features. The die engravers here certainly had a superior model for their portrait than was available in Spain. The reverse types correspond to those used in Galba’s Spanish mints, continuing the propaganda of his spreading, successful revolt against Nero. Here, the time-honored type of Victory is presented in the hope of a successful conclusion to this endeavor on behalf of the Roman populace.