The New York Sale
Auction LI 12 Jan 2021
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Q. Metellus Pius Scipio. Silver Denarius (3.75 g), 47-46 BC. Military mint traveling with Scipio in Africa. Q METEL above, PIVS below, laureate head of Jupiter right. Reverse: SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue, elephant advancing right. Crawford 459/1; HCRI 45; Sydenham 1050; Caecilia 47. Lightly toned. NGC grade XF; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimated Value $300
A Pompeian loyalist, Q. Metellus Pius Scipio introduced the legislation that recalled Caesar from his Gallic command, thus precipitating the Civil Wars. This denarius was struck while Scipio was in supreme command of the Pompeian forces in North Africa, the elephant an obvious reference to the province, and was probably struck during the later stages of the campaign in a mobile mint traveling alongside his forces (stylistically it is quite distinct from the coins of Scipio struck at the provincial capital of Utica). In 46 BC, Caesar finally managed to corner the Pompeians at Thapsus, where he inflicted on them a crushing defeated. After the battle Scipio committed suicide, knowing that despite Caesar's usual leniency towards his enemies he would not allow so persistent an foe as Scipio to survive.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.
A Pompeian loyalist, Q. Metellus Pius Scipio introduced the legislation that recalled Caesar from his Gallic command, thus precipitating the Civil Wars. This denarius was struck while Scipio was in supreme command of the Pompeian forces in North Africa, the elephant an obvious reference to the province, and was probably struck during the later stages of the campaign in a mobile mint traveling alongside his forces (stylistically it is quite distinct from the coins of Scipio struck at the provincial capital of Utica). In 46 BC, Caesar finally managed to corner the Pompeians at Thapsus, where he inflicted on them a crushing defeated. After the battle Scipio committed suicide, knowing that despite Caesar's usual leniency towards his enemies he would not allow so persistent an foe as Scipio to survive.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.