COIN (ROMAN)

A complete silver struck Republican denarius issued by Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius showing the head of Pietus of the obverse and an elephant letf on the reverse. Minted in North Italy in 81 BC.



Coin Reference: 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: African Mint
Obverse: Head of Pietas facing right, wearing diadem; before stork.
Obverse legend: None
Reverse: Elephant facing left.
Reverse legend: In exergue: [Q].C.M.P.I
Dated: -81.0 to 
Weight (g): 3.1
Diameter (mm): 18.11
Completeness: Complete
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Newark and Sherwood
County: Nottinghamshire
Region: East Midlands
Place known as: Thoresby Area
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.