Roman Republic Denarius anonymous, Rome 128 B.C. - Elephant's head - attributed to L. Caecilius Metellus Diadematus

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Coins of the gens Caecilia frequently celebrate the elephant - a powerful emblem of their military triumphs. This motif honors Lucius Caecilius Metellus, whose decisive victory at the Battle of Panormus in 250 BC saw Roman forces defeat the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal during the First Punic War. The campaign’s highlight was the capture of approximately 120 Carthaginian war elephants, an extraordinary feat that captured the imagination of the Roman public and became a lasting symbol of Roman ingenuity and power. The elephant head on the reverse of this coin directly references that legendary event. (source: The Coin Cabinet)

Grade: EF light steelgrey toning
Material: Silver
Weight: 3,89 g
Diameter: 19 mm
Ref.: Crawford 262/1

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right; mark of value to left

Reverse: Pax, holding olive branch and scepter, driving galloping biga right; below, head of elephant right, wearing bell, ROMA in exergue