Claudius - Sestertius CIVIC CROWN! (N1738)

CLAUDIUS, A.D. 41-54. AE Sestertius (27,74 gms, 34 mm), Rome Mint, ca. 41-50 A.D.
RIC-96. "TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP" Laureate head of Claudius facing right; Reverse: "EX S C / OB / CIVES / SERVATOS" in four lines in oak-wreath.  almost very fine

The reverse legend, EX S C P P OB CIVES SERVATOS, was by this time habitually confirmed by the senate and people of Rome on the emperor for saving the life of the citizenry. It harkens back to the declarations of gratitude conferred on Augustus in 27 B.C., when the senate awarded him the corona civica (civic wreath – here represented by the oak wreath enclosing the inscription on the reverse) and the clipeus virtutis (shield of valour).