★ Galba's very rare African coinage ★

Galba, 68-69. Denarius (Silver, 28 mm, 3.56 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in North Africa (Carthago?), October 68-15 January 69. SER•GALBA IMP•AVG Laureate head of Galba to right, globe at point of bust. Rev. VICTORIA•P•R / S - C Victory standing front on globe, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. BMC 269 var. (differing reverse legend break). CBN -. Cohen 331. RIC 520 var. (differing reverse legend break). Very rare and of great historical interest. An interesting piece with an unusual portrait. Struck from somewhat worn dies and the reverse slightly off center and with a minor flan fault, otherwise, good very fine.

The very rare African coinage for Galba was likely issued after he had the usurper Clodius Macer killed in October 68. Notable for their distinctive style and the very unusual inclusion of the formula S C on silver, these African coins exhibit a striking resemblance to Macer's coinage. Galba's swift dissolution of the recently formed Legio I Macriana Liberatrix, established by Macer, coupled with his overall limited engagement in Africa, resulted in a very small local output of coins, explaining their great rarity today.