TYPE Roman Republic, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio (Imperator), 47-46 BC, Africa (Utica?) mint, fourree silver denarius DESCRIPTION . Obv: Head of Jupiter r, head of eagle l. below, legend METEL PIVS SCIP IMP to sides Rev: Curule chair between ear of grain and head of carnyx, cornucopiae, scales above, legend: CRASS IVN to right, LEG PRO PR to left (partial) REFERENCE: BMC Afr 4, Syd 1048, Cr 460/2, Caec 49 GRADING: VF, some base core showing and other surface damage (more on rev.), rare ORDER INFO: R1105, $225 Despite some obvious surface problems, a rare and important Republican issue, with much relevant detail visible (a non-fourree example of otherwise comparable grade sold at CNG 61 for a total of over $1200). Historically related to the aftermath to Pharsalus through issuer Metellus, Pompei's ally and commmander of his center at the battle, who fled along with fellow republican Porcius Cato to Africa - possibly to Utica near Carthage, which was a major naval and provisioning base for Pompei. They attempted to organize resistance while Caesar (following his Cleopatran adventures) returned to Rome - though minting phony denarii from official dies couldn't help that cause; they were soon to be routed by Caeser in early 46 BC at the battle of Thapsus, though Metellus' death after it was described as honorable and epic.