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Focussing on five notable engagements that changed the course of history, The Perth Mint’s Famous Battles Series portrays battlefield scenes spanning more than two millennia.
Second Release - The Battle of Cannae 216 BC
The Second Punic War, which lasted between 218 and 201 BC, saw the Carthaginians under Hannibal inflict a series of crushing defeats on the Roman legions culminating at Cannae. Here, the Carthaginians faced a massive Roman army comprising 80,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry under the command of consuls Paullus and Varro. Flanked on either side by horsemen, the huge Roman infantry was unusually deep and tightly formed. Hannibal’s armoured cavalry charged into the Roman horsemen on the left, cutting them down before riding round the back of the enemy line. Meanwhile, the centre of the Carthaginian infantry pulled back, enveloping the legionaries until they were surrounded on all sides with no means of escape. Hailed as one of greatest tactical achievements in military history, the battle resulted in Rome’s greatest defeat with the loss of up to 50,000 men. Despite its devastating loss, however, Rome prevailed decisively at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Coloured Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse, which includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, portrays a coloured depiction of the famous encounter. Struck elements of the design depict a Carthaginian warrior and one of Hannibal’s 30 war elephants, which famously crossed the Alps with his army.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin bears the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.
Presentation Packaging
Each coin is housed in a presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper.
Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of these coins.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
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