Dupondius

The Dupondius (plural dupondii) was introduced to the Roman economy during the Roman republic around 230 BC and were valued at 2 asses. Struck in brass, the first dupondii were massive, weighing over 600 grams and measuring over 80mm in diameter. Under the reforms of Augustus a new dupondius was introduced, this time made of orichalcum (an alloy of zinc and copper), but also valued at 2 asses, or half a sestertius. Early dupondii were primarily distinguished from asses by there heavier weight and golden color. Under Nero, radiate crowns were introduced to the portraits of the dupondii to make identification easier. The radiate crown came to symbolize a double weight denomination, used later on the antoninianus (2 denarii), the binio (two aurei) and the double sestertius.