Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 114 13-14 May 2020
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C. Mamilius Limetanus. 82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (20.5mm, 4.01 g, 9h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; to left, A above caduceus / Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending hand toward his dog, Argus. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6. Attractive light golden toning. EF. Struck on a broad flan. A wonderful coin in hand.
Dog lovers the world over have always been touched by the scene on the reverse of this denarius: Ulysses returns to his home on the island of Ithaca, in the disguise of a beggar. No one recognizes him but his aged dog Argus, who rushes up to his master, overjoyed at the sight of his master after 20 years, and falls dead at his feet.
Dog lovers the world over have always been touched by the scene on the reverse of this denarius: Ulysses returns to his home on the island of Ithaca, in the disguise of a beggar. No one recognizes him but his aged dog Argus, who rushes up to his master, overjoyed at the sight of his master after 20 years, and falls dead at his feet.