COIN (ROMAN)
A complete silver struck/ hammered republican denarius of 'Q.C.M.P.I or IMPER', issued by Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius and minted in North Italy in 81 BC (diameter: 20mm; thickness: 1mm; weight: 3.20g).  The coin is in a worn but fair condition.

Ref: Crawford, M, H, 1974, 'Roman Republican Coinage I & II', page 390 & plate XLVIII, ref no 7: 374/1.
Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Caecilius Metellus Pius, Q.
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Italian mint
Obverse: Head of Pietas right, wearing diadem; before, stork. Border of dots.
Obverse legend: .
Reverse: Elephant left. Border of dots.
Reverse legend: Q·C·M·P·I
Dated: -81.0 to -81.0
Weight (g): 3.2
Diameter (mm): 20.0
Thickness (mm): 1.0
Completeness: Complete
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Staffordshire Moorlands
County: Staffordshire
Region: West Midlands
Place known as: Waterhouses
Discovery method: Metal detector
RRC reference: rrc-374.1
Notes: The issue was produced by Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius, serving as a Sullan commander in the fight against Carrinas, Norbanus and Carbo.  The reverse of this coin recalls the capture of Hasdrubal's elephants by L. Caecilius Metellus in 251 BC.