minted in Rome

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

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.

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Online ID:	000-190-000-438-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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.
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