Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, commonly called Scipio, was distinguished senator and military commander, he became Pompey’s ally and co-consul, fighting against Julius Caesar during the civil war. Metellus Scipio issued denarii in 47-46 BC during his African campaign against Caesar, featuring his portrait and emphasizing his prestigious lineage from the Scipio and Metellus families. Right now, Roman Imperatorial Pius Scipio AR Denarius Coins are available from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic slab!
• Issued in the 1st century BC!
• 4/5 strike!
• 3/5 surface!
• Contains .1196 troy oz of actual silver content.
• Issued a grade of About Uncirculated by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• The obverse depicts the deity Jupiter.
• On the reverse is an elephant.
• Please note that the exact appearance of each coin (shape, condition, wear, etc.) can vary from one piece to the next.

The Roman Imperatorial Pius Scipio AR Denarius Silver Coin availabe here comes in About Uncirculated condition. The coin has medium-gray fields with a muted, silver sheen and a field that is largely untoned. There is a subdued, satin-like luster on the coin with light, even wear patterns across the designs. The 4/5 strike indicates above average quality for the design elements, while the 3/5 surface indicates a coin in good condition for this age.

Scipio’s coins served as propaganda tools, with reverses often depicting elephants, referencing his ancestor Scipio Africanus’s victories in Africa, or other symbols asserting his legitimacy and military credentials. As one of the last Republican commanders to issue coinage, his denarii represent the final attempts of the old senatorial aristocracy to assert their authority through monetary propaganda before Caesar’s ultimate victory.

The obverse of the Roman Imperatorial Scipio AR Denarius, you’ll find a right-profile portrait of the god known as Jupiter. On the reverse, Roman Imperatorial Scipio AR Denarius Silver Coins feature a depiction of an African elephant. Scipio’s greatest significance lies in his defeat at the Battle of Thapsus in 46 BC, which effectively ended the Pompeian resistance in Africa and consolidated Caesar’s control over the Roman world. His death following this defeat removed one of the last senior Republican commanders opposing Caesar’s dominance.

If you have any questions about ancient silver coins, please contact JM Bullion. Our team can assist you at 800-276-6508, online via our web chat, and through our email address.