Coin (reverse), 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 reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a kneeling captive in front of a trophy. The design celebrates the military victories in Asia Minor of the moneyer's uncle, who is named in the legend 'C.MEMMIVS' with his military title 'IMPERATOR'.

After a victorious battle, the Greeks erected a trophy on the battlefield and dedicated it to the gods. It consisted of weapons of the defeated army placed on a pole or tree trunk. This custom was adopted by the Romans, but sometimes it was made in Rome.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-438-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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