COLLECTION OF IMPERIAL AUREI

Servius Sulpicius Galba, governor of Tarraconensis and leader of the rebellion against Nero in 68, succeeded in overcoming his adversaries and reaching Rome in early October of the same year. Galba had to make important decisions, including whether to adopt the dynastic imperial name of CAESAR, which he does not bear on this coin but eventually assumed. He also deliberated on the use of symbols of imperial authority, such as the laurel wreath and other titles traditionally granted by the Senate, including tribunicia potestas, the consulate, the position of pontifex maximus, the triumphal titles... Yet, his main goal was to emulate Augustus and portray himself as the saviour of the citizens. For this reason, he decided to use on many of his coins the favourite legend of the first emperor, Ob Cives Servatos, combined with his desire to respect the power of the Senate (SPQR) and its prerogatives. His reign was short-lived, as he was assassinated in January 69 AD.