C. Mamilius Limetanus. 82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (20mm, 4.14 g, 9h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; to left, E above caduceus / Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending hand toward his dog, Argus. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6; RBW 1370 var. (control letter). Deep old cabinet toning with iridescence, banker’s mark, two scratches, and traces of die rust on obverse, collector’s inventory number 699 in the margin on reverse. VF.
From the 1930’s Collection of Robert W. Hubel of Michigan.
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.
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