Lot Archive

Lot

№ 25

.

29 November 2001

Estimate: £30–£40

Roman Republic, C. Memmius C.f., Denarius, 56 BC, head of Quirinus right, rev. Ceres seated holding torch and corn-ears, snake at feet, 2.63g (Craw. 427/2; Sear 388). Fair to fine, has been cleaned (£30-40)

The reverse type alludes to the first celebration of the Games of Ceres in or before 211 BC. The moneyer announces on the coin that ancestor, as ædile, was responsible — though there is no historical evidence for this claim, and it is more than likely fabricated