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The
Mamilii claimed to be descended from the legendary Mamilia, daughter of
Telegonus, son of Ulysses and the goddess Circe. The gens
Mamilia was divided into three families of which the name of only one
family, Limetanus, appears on coins. The moneyer Limetanus, who issued
this coin, was probably related to the plebeian tribune Caius Mamilius
Limetanus of 109 BC. The obverse of denarii struck by Limetanus often depicts the bust of Mercury, ancestor of Ulysses. Limetanus' denarii are distinguished by their typical serrated edges. The reverse here shows Ulysses returning to Ithaca. He wears a conical cap and mantle and carries a staff, while reaching out to his faithful dog, the latter not visible in this specimen. |
