Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Memmius Caii filius

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This silver coin was minted by Caius Memmius, son of Caius, in 56 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 Ceres, the corn goddess. The design commemorates the first celebration of the Ludi Cereales, games in honour of Ceres, in or before 211 BC by an ancestor of the moneyer. The legend 'C.MEMMI.C.F' refers to the moneyer.

Each obverse and reverse die used for the Roman Republican coinage appears to have been individually made. The metal on the die was probably hammered out, then engraved. The dies were struck onto coin blanks which were made in open moulds.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-732-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15300
• Date: 56
  56 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Ceres to right; in front, C . MEMMI . C . F, downwards / Rev. Captive kneeling right, in front of trophy; on left, IMPERATOR, downwards; on right, C . MEMMIVS, downwards
  Coin Type: Crawford 427/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 427/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Memmius C. f. (Maker)
  Ceres
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by C. Memmius C. f., 56 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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