DR-648 | Crawford: 460/4
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio / Publius Licinius Crassus Iunianus Damasippus
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio / Publio Licinius Crassus Iunianus Damasippus

Gens: Caecilia / Licinia
Moneyer: Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio / Publius Licinius Crassus Iunianus Damasippus
Date and mint: 47 BC/46 BC - ?


Obverse: Genius terrae Africae with lion's head (head surmounted by a disc), holding an ankh in the right hand. Dotted border.
Legend: G T A Q METEL PIVS SCIPIO IMP

Reverse: Left victory, holding Caduceus on the right and patera on the left. Dotted border.
Legend: P CRASSVS IVN LEG PRO PR

Comment: This rare denarius is believed to have been minted in Utica. The initials G.T.A, which have been controversial when it comes to translation, are today known as Genius Tutelaris Africae. Cohen thought the obverse image might be Isis. It is possible that the scales are the ANKH, which was the symbol of life in North Africa; these scales also appear on the first coins of Carthage.

Provenance: Numismatica Ars Classica (2012)
Price: 23,025 €