Rare republican denarius to commemorate the victory of L. Caecilius Metellus at Panormus in 251 BC over the Carthaginians. The disciplined Roman legions dealt a major defeat for Hasdrubal, nearly destroyed his army, and captured sixty elephants, many of which were sent to Rome.
Ex. London Ancient Coins, Auction 45, 2015.
Roman Republic
C. Caecilius Metellus Caprarius (125 BC), Denarius 125 BC, Rome mint
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right, mark of value below chin
ROMA
Reverse: Jupiter driving biga of elephants left, holding reins and thunderbolt; above, Victory flying right, holding wreath, C METELLVS in exerque
Diameter 18 mm, weight 3.88 g
