Coin (obverse), Denarius serratus, of Lucius Memmius Galerius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Memmius Galerius in 106 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 head of Saturn, the god of agriculture, with a harpa (a sickle-shaped sword) behind him. In front of him is a mint control-mark, the letter X and a pellet. The inscription 'ROMA' denotes the mint at Rome.

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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-581-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15149
• Date: 106
  106 BC
  
• Material: Silver; serrated edge; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Saturn to left; behind, harpa and ROMA, upwards; in front, X and pellet / Rev. Venus in biga to right, holding sceptre; above, Cupid flying right, hol
  Coin Type: Crawford 313/1b
  Coin, denarius / serratus
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 313/1b
  Coin, denarius / serratus
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: L. Memmius Galerius (Maker)
  Saturn
  Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius serratus of Rome, struck by L. Memmius Galerius, 106 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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