Roman Republic, Denarius Serratus

The obverse of this denarius serratus depicts the bust of Mercury, the god of travel, trade and commerce, with a winged cap and a caduceus, a herald's staff. The reverse shows the hero Odysseus, holding his staff and greeting the dog Argus. The inscription C. MAMIL LIMETAN refers to the moneyer responsible for the issue of this coin.

The design alludes to the moneyer's family claim to be descended from Mamilia, the daughter of Telegonus, who was the son of Odysseus and Circe. According to Greek mythology, Argos was Odysseus' faithful dog; he waited for his master's return to Ithaca for over twenty years and was the only one to recognize the hero when he finally arrived.