C. Mamilius Limetanus. 82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (20.5mm, 4.12 g, 8h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; to left, E above caduceus / Ulysses, wearing pileus and mariner’s dress, walking right, leaning on staff in left hand and extending his right hand toward his dog, Argus, who advances toward him; C • MAMIL downward to left, LIME(TA)N upward to right. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6; BMCRR Rome 2719; Kestner 3151; RBW 1370 var. (control letter). Obverse struck off center. Near EF. A spectacularly detailed reverse of this popular issue.
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.
