C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, draped and wearing winged petasos; caduceus and M behind / C•MAMIL LIMETAN, Ulysses walking right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 471 ; Mamilia 6. 3.83g, 20mm, 8h.
Very Fine.
From the Eucharius Collection.
The Mamilia gens pretended to derive its origin from Mamilia, the daughter of Telegonus, the reputed son of Ulysses and Circe, and thus C. Mamilius, as monetal triumvir, caused this subject to be adopted on his coins.
The reverse shows Ulysses, after a long absence, returning in beggar's dress to Ithaca, where he was recognised at once by his old dog, Argus, who died of joy at seeing his former master.