minted in Rome
This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Mamilius Limetanus, son of Caius, in 82 BC. It is a type of coin known as a denarius serratus due to its serrated edge. This picture shows the obverse.
The obverse depicts the draped bust of Mercury, the god of travel, trade and commerce, with a winged cap and carrying a caduceus (a staff carried by ambassadors at times of war) over his shoulder. The letter I behind his head is a mint control-letter.
From the beginning of the denarius through to the mid 60's BC, certain issues were made with serrated edges, cut with a chisel before striking the coin. The reasons behind this practice are not known, but perhaps were due merely to fashion.
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