Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Caeclius Metellus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Caeclius Metellus in 125 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 Jupiter, the father of the gods, holding a thunderbolt, in a vehicle called a biga drawn by two elephants. Above him Victory is flying, holding a wreath. The inscription below reads ' [C .] METELLVS' (the letters ME are joined).

The reverse design refers to the victory of the moneyer's ancestor Lucius Caecilius Metellus over the Carthaginians at Panormus in 250 BC. After his victory, he captured the enemy's elephants and exhibited them at Rome.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-371-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15081
• Date: 125
  125 BC
  
• Material: Silver; mostly slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma to right (Phrygian helmet); behind, ROMA, downwards; [star below chin] / Rev. Jupiter in biga of elephants to left, holding thunderbolt; above, Victory flying right, holding wreath; in ex
  Coin Type: Crawford 269/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 x 16.50 mm D / Die Axis: 5.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 269/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Caecilius Metellus Caprarius (Maker)
  Jupiter
  Rome
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by C. Caecilius Metellus Caprarius, 125 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: