Description

Denarius of the Roman Republic struck by Publius Sulpicius Galba of the Sulpicia gens in 69 BC. On the obverse, the veiled head of Vesta; on the reverse, a secespita, simpulum, and securis.

Publius Sulpicius Galba was an ancestor of the future Emperor Galba.

• The secespita is a long sacrificial knife used by Roman priests to slaughter animals during religious sacrifices, symbolizing the sacred act and the proper observance of ritual.
• The simpulum is a small ladle used to pour wine or other libations during religious ceremonies, representing piety and the correct performance of rites.
• The securis is a ritual axe associated with religious and judicial authority, particularly that of Roman magistrates, symbolizing power and the enforcement of law.