412, Lot: 415. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

C. Memmius C.f. 56 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Ceres right, wearing wreath of grain ears / Naked captive, with hands tied behind back, kneeling right, at foot of trophy of arms with a Greek shield. Crawford 427/1; Sydenham 920; Memmia 10. EF, handsome toning. Well centered and struck on a broad flan.

From the Dr. Allan Smith Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 103 (14 September 2016), lot 643; 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.