Summary

Denarius issued by the Ancient Roman Republic, 47-46 BC
Moneyer: Q. METELL. SCIPIO IMP (Q. Metellus Scipio)
Struck at a Pompeyan supporter's mint in Africa

Obverse Description

Africa, wearing an elephant headdress facing right; below, a plough; in front, a corn-ear; around, Q. MET[ELL] [SC]IPIO IMP

Reverse Description

Hercules standing facing; his left arm rests on a club that is draped with a lion skin and rests on a rock, his right hand on his hip; at right (mostly off flan), EPPIVS; at left, LEG. F.C

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

After being defeated by Julius Caesar, Pompey and his supporters fled to Africa in 48 BC. Pompey was assassinated on arrival. Metellus Scipio became the supreme general in the African War. This coin was struck at a mint moving with the army. In 46 BC Caesar defeated Metellus at the Battle of Thapsus.

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