Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Memmius

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Memmius in either 109 or 108 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts a male head wearing an oak-wreath, perhaps Apollo, the Greek god of light, healing and prophecy. The star below the chin is a mark of value.

In the Republic, coins were minted in bronze, silver and gold, though gold issues were rare. The silver denarius became the most common coin after the mid-2nd century BC. At first equal to 10 bronze asses, it later was valued at 16.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-065-571-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15139
• Date: 109 - 108
  109 - 108
  109 or 108 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Male head to right, wearing oak-wreath (Apollo?); star below chin / Rev. Dioscuri standing facing, between their horses, each holding spear; L . MEM [MI] in exergue
  Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Male head to right, wearing oak-wreath (Apollo?); star below chin / Rev. Dioscuri standing facing, between their horses, each holding spear; L . MEM [MI] in exergue
  Coin Type: Crawford 304/1
  Coin Type: Crawford 304/1
  Coin, denarius
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.00 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  20.00 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 304/1
  Coin Type: Crawford 304/1
  Coin, denarius
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Apollo?
  Apollo?
  Dioscuri
  Dioscuri
  L. Memmius (Maker)
  L. Memmius (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, struck by L. Memmius, 109 - 108 BC
  Silver denarius of Rome, struck by L. Memmius, 109 - 108 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: