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

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This silver coin was minted in Rome 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 Ceres, the corn goddess, holding a torch and corn-ears, with a snake at her feet. The legend around her commemorates the first celebration of the Ludi Cereales in or before 211 BC by an ancestor of the moneyer who was an aedile.

Ludi were games and contests held in Rome on various occasions, mainly at the festivals of the gods but sometimes for a magistrate or dead person. They were supervised by aediles, who ensured that the proper rites were made.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-439-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15301
• Date: 56
  56 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre, and pitted at 10.0; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Quirinus to right; behind, QVIRINVS, downwards; in front, C . MEMMI . C . F, downwards / Rev. Ceres seated right, holding torch and corn-e
  Coin Type: Crawford 427/2
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.00 x 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 427/2
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Memmius C. f. (Maker)
  Ceres
  Quirinus
  
• 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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