AR denarius, Servius Sulpicius Galba AD 68 - 69

Servius Sulpicius Galba was born in 3 BC near Terracina south of Rome. He was adopted in his youth by Livia, who not only protected him, but also advanced his early career and left him a large inheritance. This denarius features Galba's devotion to Livia and emphasises his connection with the family of Augustus. Galba's military career took him to Gaul, Africa and Spain, where he was proclaimed emperor in AD 68, and together with Otho, the governor of Lusitania, marched to Rome. In January AD 69 legions under Vitellius rebelled and proclaimed the latter emperor. Once in Rome, Otho, conspired against Galba and had him killed in public, thus ending his short reign of seven months.

Obv. Laureate Galba right, IMP. SER. GALBA CAES. AVG.
Rev. Livia standing, holding a patera and a sceptre, DIVA AVGVSTA.

AR denarius, Marcus Salvius Otho AD 69

Marcus Salvius Otho (AD 32 - 69), ex-husband of Poppaea Sabina and governor of Lusitania, briefly succeeded Galba as Roman emperor from January to April AD 69. Coinage for Otho was struck at the Rome mint only, this specimen from the later series struck after March 9, when the title of pontifex maximus was accorded to him as is indicated by the legend displayed on the reverse. Otho was defeated by Vitellius at Cremona and committed suicide.

Obv. Otho bare head right. IMP. OTHO CAESAR AVG. TR. P.
Rev. Jupiter seated right, holding a thunderbolt and a scepter, PONT. MAX.

AR denarius, Aulus Vitellius AD 69

Aulus Vitellius (AD 15 - 69) was proclaimed emperor in January and his reign was recognised from April to December AD 69. Unable to maintain authority at Rome, he was eventually slain by soldiers of the Danubian legions. Vitellius was succeeded by Vespasian, who established a new imperial dynasty, the Flavians.

Obv. Vitellius laureate head right. A. VITELLIVS IMP. GERMAN
Rev. Victory walking left with shield inscribed SPQR, VICTORIA AVGVSTI.