Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Quintus Metellus Pius Scipio

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This silver coin was minted in Africa by Quintus Metellus Pius Scipio in 47 or 46 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Jupiter, the father of the gods. The legends 'Q.METEL' before him and 'PIVS' below refer to the moneyer, who was Pompey's father-in-law, and commander of the Roman forces in northern Africa opposed to Caesar.

After the death of Pompey the Great in 48 BC, his sons and other Romans continued the struggle against Caesar. The conflict covered the entire Mediterranean, with subject kingdoms also seizing the opportunity to try and overthrow Rome's rule.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-687-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.462
• Date: 47 - 46 BC
  47 or 46 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Jupiter r.; before, Q.METEL downwards; below, PIVS / Rev. Elephant r.; above, SCIPIO; below, IMP
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 10.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Jupiter
  Scipio
  
• Where: Africa
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Africa, 47 - 46 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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