Civil War AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Spain, early AD 68. LIBERTAS RESTITVTA, bust of Libertas right, wearing necklace / S P Q R on round shield within oak wreath. RIC 27; Martin 91; BMCRE 12. 3.03g, 18mm, 4h.
Good Fine. Rare.
In early 68 AD, as a reaction to Nero's tax policy, the governor Vindex attempted a revolt in Gaul, calling on Galba to join the rebellion against Nero. Although Vindex was defeated, popularity was growing for Galba, and, sensing this, Nero fled Rome. Shortly after, the Senate decided to oust Nero by declaring him a public enemy, thus spurring on Nero's suicide. His death saw the arrival of the first civil war since the defeat of Marc Antony in 30 BC. Consequently, between June 68 AD and December 69 AD, Rome witnessed a period of anarchy and a series of quick successions. Four Emperors ruled in this period: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, with the latter securing the imperial throne and founding the Flavian dynasty.