Obolos 31

C. Mamilius Limetanus, 82 BC. Denarius Serratus (Silver, 21 mm, 3.75 g, 7 h), Rome. Draped bust of Mercury to right, wearing winged petasos and with caduceus over his left shoulder; behind head, E. Rev. C · MAMIL LIME(TA)N Ulysses standing right, holding staff in his left hand and extending his right towards his dog Argus who is barking in greeting on the right. Babelon (Mamilia) 6. Crawford 362/1. Sydenham 741. RBW 1370 var. (control). Light toning. Some marks, otherwise, very fine.

From a Swiss collection.

Argos, Ulysses' dog, waited years for his owner's return from Troy. When Ulysses finally arrived home from his wanderings, he was in disguise, yet he was greeted by his old hound who promptly died at his feet from the combined excitement of again seeing his beloved master and his infirmities due to old age. The scene on the reverse of this attractive denarius shows the heartwarming scene when the old hound greeted his master upon his return to Ithaca, and illustrates the age-old sentiment that the dog is man's best friend.