Coin (reverse), Victoriatus, of Caecilius Metellus

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This silver coin of a type called a victoriatus was minted in Rome by Caecilius Metellus between 194 and 190 BC. This picture shows the reverse.

The reverse depicts Victory standing facing to the right, crowning a trophy. The letters ME, joined together, appear between the two, and denote the Metellus family. The word 'ROMA' (for Rome) appears below.

After a victorious battle, the Greeks erected a trophy on the battlefield and dedicated it to the gods. It consisted of weapons of the defeated army placed on a pole or tree trunk. This custom was adopted by the Romans, but sometimes it was made in Rome.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-324-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15017
• Date: 194 - 190
  Between 194 and 190 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse very slightly off-centre; several small edge nicks; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Jupiter to right / Rev. Victory standing right, crowning trophy; ME (ligated) between Victory and trophy; ROMA in exergue
  Coin Type: Crawford 132/1
  Coin, victoriatus
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 132/1
  Coin, victoriatus
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Caecilius Metellus (Maker)
  Jupiter
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver victoriatus of Rome, minted by Caecilius Metellus, 194 - 190 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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