Coin (obverse), Denarius serratus, of Caius Mamilius Limetanus Caii filius

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-660-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15228
• Date: 82
  82 BC
  
• Material: Silver; serrated edge; both sides slightly off-centre; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Draped bust of Mercury to right, with caduceus over shoulder; I behind head / Rev. Ulysses standing right, holding staff and extending right hand towards do
  Coin Type: Crawford 362/1
  Coin, denarius / serratus
  
• Dimensions: 21.00 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 362/1
  Coin, denarius / serratus
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Argus
  C. Mamilius Limetanus C. f. (Maker)
  Mercury
  Ulysses
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius serratus of Rome, minted by C. Mamilius Limetanus C. f., 82 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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