Galba AD 68-69 Gold Aureus Rome mint Livia standing

Galba AD 68-69 Gold Aureus

Laureate and draped bust right/Livia standing left holding patera and sceptre

The Twelve Caesars

Rome mint

RCV2091; 19mm, 7.09g

A full coin with clear legends, bold portrait and even wear. One of the harder of the 12 Caesars to obtain in gold.

Provenance will be provided.

Galba AD 68-69

Galba was born to a wealthy family around 3 BC.  He held various public offices including consul, praetor and governor of various provinces before resigning during the reign of the Emperor Claudius. Reinstated by Nero he was appointed governor of Hispania. When Nero committed suicide in AD 68 he took advantage of Vindex’s rebellion to be declared emperor with the support of the Praetorian guard. Although not related to any of the previous emperors he claimed to be a relative of Livia, wife of Augustus, who left him an inheritance although this was later denied to him by Tiberius.

Galba was a sickly man who suffered severely from gout by the time he became emperor. Also noted for his avarice and cruelty he was notoriously mean and quickly upset the army by refusing to pay the soldiers who had fought against Vindex. He also tried to disband the German legions and seize their property.  Upon taking office as consul on 1st January 69 the German the 4th and 22nd legions of Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to him. On the following day the legions of Germania Inferior under Vitellus also refused to swear loyalty and on 15th January 69 Galba was killed by his Praetorian guard.