RIC 1209 Vespasian

Æ Sestertius, 26.76g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., globe at point of bust
Rev: S P Q R /OB/CIVES/SERVATOS within oak wreath
RIC 1209 (R). BMC -. BNC 824.
Acquired from eBay, May 2021. Formerly in NGC holder #2104827-029, grade VG.

In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently sized issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a shortage in the Western provinces. This sestertius reverse type was struck at both Rome and Lyon (Lugdunum) commemorates the Senate awarding the corona civica to Vespasian. The corona civica was originally a military honour bestowed upon a Roman who had saved a fellow citizen's life in battle. It was one of the greatest public honours. In the imperial era the honour developed from a coveted military decoration into an imperial emblem granted by the Senate to the emperor. The wreath was made of oak leaves and is sometimes called a corona quercea after the common name for the oak. Artistically it is sometimes depicted with acorns scattered amongst the leaves. Plutarch believed the oak was chosen for this highest of honours for several reasons. The tree was easily found throughout the countryside and was quite convenient for fashioning a wreath when the need arose. Also, the oak is sacred to Jupiter and Juno and thus was an appropriate symbolic honour given to one who has saved the life of a fellow Roman citizen, or indeed the state. Finally, the early settlers of Rome, the Arcadians, were nicknamed 'acorn-eaters' in an oracle of Apollo.

The Wreath was awarded to Vespasian early in his reign by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. The fact the type was still struck seven to eight years after the initial award demonstrates the potent propaganda value of it on the coinage.