Orichalcum Sestertius, A.D. 68, Rome, 36mm, 25.24g, 180°, RIC I, 309, scarce.
Obv: IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P. Laureate, draped bust right.
Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA. Libertas standing left, holding pileus and scepter; S C in field.
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Servius Sulpicius Galba Caesar Augustus was Roman Emperor for seven months from 68 to 69. He came from a noble family and was a man of great wealth, but was unconnected either by birth or by adoption with the first six emperors. He was the first emperor of the "Year of the Four Emperors".

Galba became Praetor in 20, and consul in 33. He loyally served Claudius after the death of Caligula and during the reign of Nero he was bestowed the Governorship of Hispania Tarraconensis. After Nero's suicide he assumed the title of Caesar and marched on Rome. Galba's approach to the city was met by soldiers presenting demands of tribute. Galba replied by killing many of them.

Galba undertook a number of unpopular measures including massive taxes, death sentences without trial, refusal to grant citizenship and perhaps most perilously, refusing to pay the usual donation promised to the Praetoreans.

In January of 69, two legions in Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to Galba and instead proclaimed the provincial governor Vitellius as emperor. Sensing discontent, Galba named Calpurnius Piso as coadjutor and sucessor. The populace regarded this as a sign of fear and the Praetorians were still indignant because of the missing donative. Marcus Salvius Otho, one of Galbas earliers supporters, disappointed at not being chosen himself conspired with the discontented Praetorians and was adopted by them as emperor. Galba set out to meet the rebels and was killed by Otho's men near the Forum. One centurion died defending him and his hier Piso was also killed. Over 100 people claimed credit for killing Galba in hopes of gaining favor with Otho. When Vitellius eventually succeeded Otho, a list of their names was drawn up and every one of them was executed.