Lot 4759

Description

Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, (c.47-46 B.C.), silver denarius, Africa mint, (3.77 g), obv. laureate head of Jupiter to right, Q METAL PIVS around, rev. elephant standing to right, SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue, border of dots, (S.1379, Sear Imperators 45, RSC Caecilia 47, Cr.459/1, Syd. 1046). Toned, very fine/good very fine and rare.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection previously from Henri Delger.
Scipio was Pompey's colleague in the consulship of 52 BC, and governor of Syria in 49 BC. He commanded the center line of Pompey's army at Pharsalus, after which he fled to Africa and formed an alliance with Juba, king of Numidia. Through the influence of Cato, he obtained control of the Pompeian forces and was defeated by Caesar in 46 BC at Thapsus, where, not wanting to be captured, he committed suicide. This coin was struck during Scipio's North African campaign to pay soldiers under his command.