Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 28.10 g, 6h). Rome mint, 5th officina. Struck August-October AD 68. EF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 32.
Closing Date: May 19 2026 11:00 ET

The PLZ Collection, Bronze

Estimate: $ 30 000

BID NOW

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 28.10 g, 6h). Rome mint, 5th officina. Struck August-October AD 68. IMP • SER • SVLP • GALBA • CAES • AVG • TR P, laureate and draped bust right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC I 309; ACG – (unlisted dies); BMCRE 71; BN 147-8. Green-brown patina, light pitting and deposits on reverse. EF. Exceptional portrait.

From the PLZ Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 1132; Sternberg XVII (9 May 1986), lot 557.

Again and again I would hold this coin in hand and marvel at the stunning detail in Galba's portrait. A masterpiece of Roman engraving! (PLZ)

One of the most common types for a sestertius of Galba, this issue, with the LIBERTAS PVBLICA reverse is known for producing the finest portraits of the emperor. Known from a number of different obverse dies, all have one overriding characteristic: Each portrays Galba with a stern countenance consistent with his reported demeanor. The offered example has a superb portrait with a wonderful patina. It is an exceptional coin that is destined to be a part of the finest cabinet for this series.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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