CNG 103, Lot: 643. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

C. Memmius C.f. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.85 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Ceres right, wearing wreath of grain ears / Naked captive, his hands tied behind, kneeling right, at foot of trophy of arms with a Greek shield. Crawford 427/1; Sydenham 920; Memmia 10; RBW 1531. EF, handsome toning. Well centered and struck on a broad flan.

Ex Peus 330 (24 April 1991), lot 926.

The reverse relates to the moneyer’s uncle, C. Memmius L.f., who was the commander of the Roman forces who were victorious in Bithynia in the early 50s BC. He was given the title imperator for those victories in BC 57; this coin was struck shortly thereafter to commemorate that event.