Coin (reverse), 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 reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts an elephant. The legend 'SCIPIO' refers to the moneyer who was Pompey's father-in-law, and commander of the Roman forces opposed to Caesar. The legend 'IMP' is an abbreviation of his title Imperator, (military leader).

In the troubled years of the Civil War, commanders on each side minted their own coins, mainly to pay their troops. In some cases the designs are propaganda or hopes for victories. Here Metellus Scipio chose an emblem of his own family, the elephant.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-079-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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