The Roman Republic first issues the silver coin known as the denarius in 211 BCE at the time of the Second Punic War, with a weight of 4.5 grams on average (denarii will be in use until the mid-third century CE when their replacement by the replaced by the antoninianus).

The earliest denarii feature the head of Diana on the obverse and the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) on the reverse.

The younger Publius Cornelius Scipio, had survived the disastrous battles at Ticinus, Trebia, and Cannae, the third of these having claimed the life of his would-be father-in-law Lucius Aemilius Paullus.

On hearing that Lucius Caecilius Metellus and other politicians were at the point of surrender, Scipio had gathered with his followers and stormed into the meeting, where at sword-point he forced all present to swear that they would continue in faithful service to Rome.

The Roman Senate, being of like mind, had refused to entertain thoughts of peace despite the great losses Rome has taken in the war—approximately one-fifth of the men of military age had died within a few years.

After serving as aedile in 213, the twenty-four-year-old Scipio had run for the office of quaestor, the most junior magistrate who was entitled to enter the Senate, apparently to assist his less popular cousin, Lucius Cornelius, who was also standing for election.

The Tribunes of the Plebs (elected representatives from the Plebeian Assembly) had objected to his candidacy, saying that he could not be allowed to stand because he had not yet reached the legal age (curule aediles were automatically entitled to enter the Senate and the legal age for Senate membership was 30).

Already known for his bravery and patriotism, Scipio was elected unanimously and the Tribunes abandoned their opposition.

Both Scipio's father, Publius Scipio, and uncle, Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio Calvus, are killed in battle against Hannibal's brother, Hasdrubal Barca, in 211.

In the following year, Scipio offers himself for the command of the new army which the Romans have resolved to send to Hispania, and is unanimously elected to be sent there as proconsul.

According to Livy, Scipio was the only man brave enough to ask for this position, and no other candidates wanted the responsibility, considering it a death sentence.