![Denarius (Memmia: Lucius [and] Gaius Memmius Gallus; EX•S•C / L•C•MEMIES•L•F GAL) (87 BC) front](/storage/images/Denarius-Memmia-Lucius-and-Gaius-Memmius-Gallus-EXSC--LCMEMIESLF-GAL_66754_1.webp)
![Denarius (Memmia: Lucius [and] Gaius Memmius Gallus; EX•S•C / L•C•MEMIES•L•F GAL) (87 BC) back](/storage/images/Denarius-Memmia-Lucius-and-Gaius-Memmius-Gallus-EXSC--LCMEMIESLF-GAL_66754_2.webp)
© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Memmia: Lucius [and] Gaius Memmius Gallus; EX•S•C / L•C•MEMIES•L•F GAL 87 BC
87 BC year| Silver | 3.97 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 87 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.97 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66754 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Venus in biga marching right, holding reins in both hands and sceptre in left hand; above, Cupid flying left with wreath.
Moneyer marks in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
L•C•MEMIES•L•F
GAL
Translation:
Lucius Gaius Memies Lucius filius
Gallus
(Lucius [and] Gaius Memmius Gallus, sons of Lucius)
Comment
The gens Memmia was a plebeian family at Rome. The first member of the gens to achieve prominence was Gaius Memmius Gallus, praetor in 173 BC. From the period of the Jugurthine War to the age of Augustus they contributed numerous tribunes to the Republic.The moneyer mark refers here to two brothers Lucius and Gaius Memmius; the EX•S•C inscription referring to the special authorization granted by the Senate to mint this denarius.
Doubts remain regarding the cognomen Gallus rather than Galeria.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the first known use of the abbreviation "EX•S•C" (Ex Senatus Consulto) on a Roman coin, indicating that it was issued by decree of the Roman Senate. This marks a significant shift in the Roman Republic's coinage system, as it signifies the increasing influence of the Senate in the minting process.
