Claudius and the Civic Crown
Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.67 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR [• AVG • P • M] TR • P • VI • IMP • XI, laureate head right / S P Q R/ P • P/OB C S in three lines within oak wreath (Corona Civica). RIC I 41; von Kaenel Type 26, unlisted dies; RSC 87; BMCRE 45–7; BN 59–60. Near EF, lightly toned. Excellent portrait style.
The reverse of this attractive denarius depicts the Corona Civica or “Civic Crown,” the second highest military decoration of the Republic, which took the form of a chaplet of oak leaves woven into a wreath. It was awarded to a citizen who had saved the lives of his fellow citizens by defeating or slaying an enemy of the state. The recipient was required to wear the wreath at any public gathering. Julius Caesar won the award for his actions during the Siege of Mytilene in 81 BC, which gained him immediate entry into the Senate. Augustus was voted the honor by the Senate for ending the destructive Roman civil wars. Caligula was granted the honor for “saving” Rome from the tyranny of Tiberius. Ironically, Claudius was bestowed the Corona Civica for saving Rome from the tyranny of Caligula
