RIC 421 Galba, Restored by Titus

Æ Sestertius, 23.83g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P; Head of Galba, laureate, r.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; REST above S C in centre
RIC 421 (C). BMC 305. BNC 319.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, May 2022.

Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II described the series as a 'roll of honour of the early Empire, preserving all memories that deserved to be remembered.' Prior to the early Second century works by Suetonius and Tacitus with their less than glowing praise of the aged Galba, he was seemingly regarded as an emperor worthy of veneration. This was the lone sestertius type struck for him under Titus.