ORC6913 1st portrait of a living Roman
$62.00
Aug-22-00
oldromancoins.com


     Spain, Carthago Nova, Æ15, (2.18g) c. 209 B.C., Male Roman style
     head left, probably Scipio Africanus, before he was named Scipio
     Africanus, for his Victories in Africa / Horse head right. SNG
     Cop. NA 298, Lindgren European Mints 6. See Toynbee p. 18-19.
     This coin may be the earliest depiction of a living Roman, a
     concept generally applied to the gold staters of T. Quinctius
     Flaminus, from 196 BC. It is from the city which produced rare
     likely portraits of Hannibal. Lacking an inscription naming
     Scipio, one can never be certain. VF, green patina.