Lot 5253

Description

C. Memmius C.f., (c.56 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.642 grams), obv. Ceres laureate head to right, C.MEMMI C.F. before, rev. captive to right kneeling before trophy of Eastern arms, [C. ME]MMIVS on right [I]MPERATOR on left, (S.387, Cr.427/1, Syd.920, B.Memmia 10). Banker's marks on obverse and off centre reverse, otherwise toned, nearly very fine and very scarce.

Memmius was son-in-law of Sulla and propraetor of Bithynia when he received the title of imperator recorded on this coin. He later supported Caesar and ran for the consulship but was undone by the revelation of a scandal during the election, as recorded by Cicero.