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AUGUSTUS, 27 BC-AD 14
AR Denarius (20.36mm, 3.77g, 7h)
Struck 19 BC. Colonia Patricia mint
Obverse: CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right
Reverse: OB CIVIS SERVATOS in straight lines above and below oak wreath
References: RIC I 75a (S), RCV 1625 var.
Well struck on good metal and attractively toned.
The reverse design of this coin, with the legend OB CIVIS SERVATOS (“For Saving the Citizens”) and an oak wreath, is a reference to the Corona Civica, a military decoration in the form of a wreath of oak leaves, which was awarded to those who had saved the lives of fellow citizens. Roman historian Cassius Dio (c. 165-c. 235) records this honor being given to Augustus, or Caesar as he is called, at the beginning of his reign in 27 BC:
"Caesar had received many honors previously, when the matter of declining the sovereignty and that regarding the division of the provinces were under discussion. For the right to fasten the laurel in front of his royal residence and to hang the oak-leaf crown above the doors was then voted him to symbolize the fact that he was always victorious over enemies and preserved the citizens."
Collezione : Roman Imperial - the Julio-Claudians