Carthage vs Rome
Punic bronzes and anonymous denarii
The titanic struggle between Carthage and Rome — the Punic Wars (264–146 BC) — reshaped the ancient Mediterranean. Both civilizations left behind coins that tell the story of this existential conflict.
Carthaginian Tanit/horse bronzes cost just $30–$100, depicting the goddess Tanit with a standing horse and palm tree. On the Roman side, the anonymous Roma/Dioscuri denarius — the very first Roman denarius, struck during the Second Punic War — costs $80–$175 in Fine.
Barcid silver shekels from Spain, possibly depicting Hannibal himself, are museum-grade at $1,000+, but Barcid bronzes from Carthago Nova cost just $50–$200. Republican struck bronzes with prow reverses are excellent at $25–$120.
Coins in This Collection
3 coins
Carthage · 300–264 BC
Carthaginian Tanit Bronze
The goddess of Carthage — Tanit with her sacred horse
Carthage · 237–206 BC
Barcid Bronze — Iberian Mint
From Hannibal's Spain — possibly depicting the great general himself
Roman Republic · 211–190 BC
Anonymous Roma/Dioscuri Denarius
The very first denarius type — Roma and the divine twins on horseback