Tag Archives: elephants

Ancient ROMAN REPUBLIC Coinage. ROMAN REPUBLIC ANCIENT COINAGE. 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. The reverse of this coin depicts the triumphal procession of elephants captured during the First Punic War. In 251 BC, the moneyer’s ancestor, L. Caecilius Metellus, led a brilliant victory over the Carthaginians at Panormus, capturing the entire force of enemy elephants. Narius 17mm 3.43gm. Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right wearing Phrygian helmet ornamented with griffin’s head; below chin, XVI in monogram of mark of value below chin. Reverse: Jupiter driving biga. Chariot pulled by two. Of elephants left, holding reins and thunderbolt; above, Victory flying right, holding wreath, C. METELLVS in exerque. Crawford 269/1; Sydenham 485; Caecilia 14; RBW 1085. Rare Coin Fine Condition, a few banker’s marks. All illustrations are of the actual item offered. The authenticity of all pieces is fully guaranteed. Images are not actual size Please see description for actual measurements.