2009 AUSTRALIA TUVALU CANNAE BATTLE SILVER PROOF

*** The second in the Perth Mint’s Famous Battles Series, forming a lasting tribute. The Battle of Cannae was a major battle of the Second Punic War, taking place on August 2, 216 BC near the town of Cannae in Apulia in southeast Italy. The army of Carthage under Hannibal decisively defeated a much larger army of the Roman Republic under command of the consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. Hannibal had already proven his boldness and mettle by invading Roman Italy and famously crossing the Alps with his army, which include 30 elephants from Africa (as depicted on this coin)!

*** Obverse - The central color image depicts the height of the Battle of Cannae, with Romans and Carthaginians fighting in close quarters to the death. To the right is a frosted cameo proof rendition of a Carthaginian warrior dressed in protective armor, including his metal cuirass (breastplate), with sword and helmet. To the left is one of Hannibal's war elephants, with which he crossed the Alps. To the left one can find the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark. The legend reads THE BATTLE OF CANNAE 216 BC.

*** Reverse - Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl drop earrings, was executed by the sculptor Raphael Maklouf. The legend QUEEN ELIZABETH II, the date of issue and denomination also appear.

*** A magnificent presentation, each .999 fine silver Proof is housed in a plush case with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

*** Would make a fantastic addition to your collection - see scan!