Lot 1208
Galba. Silver Denarius (3.24 g), AD 68-69. Carthage. SER SVLPICIVS GALBA IMP, bare head of Galba right. Rev. HIS-PANIA, S C across field, veiled head of Hispania right. (RIC -; BN -; BMC -; RSC -; cf. Manhattan Sale III, 170 (with IMP AVG)). Possibly unique Carthage mint denarius of Galba. Of the highest rarity and of great historical interest. Toned with some underlying luster. Extremely fine. Estimate $20,000UP
Ex NAC 80 (20 Ocotber 2014), lot 75.
This exceedingly rare denarius - one of just two known specimens - was struck for the ephemeral emperor Galba during the so-called Year of the Four Emperors, probably at the mint of Carthage, which was then known for employing the S C (senatus consulto) legend on denarii despite its general discontinuation for silver in Rome since ca. 40 BC. Although Mattingly previously suggested that this usage, familiar from denarii struck during the revolt of Clodius Macer, was designed to assure the senate that Macer's goal was only to oppose the debauched reign of Nero, its presence on the denarii of Galba implies sanction by the Senate. The reverse type honors Hispania, the original center of Galba's revolt, and it has been suggested that the precise design was inspired by the veiled head on denarii serrati struck by A. Postumius Albinus in ca. 81 BC.
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