Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio

Obverse:         Q METEL PIVS - Laureate head of Jupiter facing right

Reverse:         SCIPIO IMP - Elephant walking right

Mint :              N. African Mint

Date :              BC 47-46

Reference :     Sear-1379, Cr-459/1, CRI-45, RSC-Caecilia 47

Grade :            VF

Weight :          4.02g

Denom:           Denarius

Metal :            Silver

Dealer :           Glen W. Woods

Acquired:        05/08/04

Comments:      16.6 mm. A nice example with some weakness of strike in the centers of both surfaces. Lightly toned and quite scarce. Scipio, was the Pompeian commander of the anti-Caesarians, through the influence of Cato he was given command of all the armies in Africa as the name Scipio was considered invincible there due to the victories of Scipio Africanus in the Punic wars. His headquarters was at the provincial capital of Utica , near the site of Carthage , and this is likely the site of his mint.

Despite an alliance with Juba , the King of Numidia he was defeated by Caesar's forces, and he committed suicide in 46 B.C by plunged his sword into his body while leaping into the sea from his ship.