Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1345. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $925. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CIVIL WAR. 68-69 AD. AR Denarius (3.59 gm). Gallic mint. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars right / P R across field, SIG[NA] in exergue, legionary aquila before lighted altar; military standard on either side. RIC I 39; AM 61; BMCRE 42; RSC 407. Good VF, light scratches, minor encrustation on reverse. Very rare. ($750)

From the Tony Hardy Collection.

The civil wars at the end of Nero's reign began with the revolt of the governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, Gaius Julius Vindex, in early March of 68 AD. Vindex had claimed that he had a force of 100,000 men, and a substantial coinage was certainly needed to pay them. The Gallic issues of the war, probably struck at Vienna, have a markedly belligerent tone as opposed to the Spanish issues, and the types convey the politico-military flavor of Vindex's revolt. As he felt he could not gain widespread support, Vindex offered the leadership of the revolt to the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, Servius Sulpicius Galba. Galba at first hesitated, but he was forced to make a decision when the governor of Aquitania asked for his assistance in crushing Vindex. On 2 April 68 AD at Carthago Nova, Galba declared himself the representative of the senate and the Roman people. The rebellion of Vindex was crushed soon thereafter by Verginius Rufus. Originally struck in large numbers, as indicated by the number of types employed, the coins of the civil wars are all rare today, having been recalled after the final victory of Vespasian in 69 AD.