GALBA, A.D. 68-69. AR Denarius (3.49 gms), Rome Mint. NGC Ch VF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style.RIC-189; RSC-55a. Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right; Reverse: Livia standing left, holding patera and scepter. Deeply toned and with a bold portrait, this attractive specimen is a worthy addition to any Julio-Claudian collection. Though that dynasty had come to an end with the death of Nero, his successors during the turmoil that followed wanted to ensure a sense of continuity to the Roman people. To that end, as Galba had had a close relationship with Livia (wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius), he placed her figure on the reverse of this coin, drawing himself into the lineage of the Julio-Claudians, if only numismatically.
