Roman Coins

Which coins are classified as Roman coins (time and geographical framework)?

The usage of Roman coins dates back to the 4th century BC during the Roman Republic and persisted until the Roman Empire's downfall in 476 AD. These coins were circulated across a vast region, including Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Numerous types of coins were minted during this period, but some of the most well-known are the denarius, aureus, sestertius and as. They were issued in various locations throughout the Empire, with each mint producing coins with unique features and symbols. Some of the most famous mints were located in Rome, Lugdunum, Antioquia and Constantinople, among others. The coins were used for trade and taxes, and they provide valuable insights into the economic and political system of the time.

Why did the Roman Empire produce more coins?

The Roman Empire minted coins primarily to ease trade and tax payments, and also to pay their soldiers. As the Empire expanded, so did the need for a reliable currency that could be used for transactions. Coins were more portable and durable than other forms of currency and could be easily exchanged for other goods and services. Moreover, they were often used as a way for the ruling authorities to communicate their power and legitimacy. In this sense, they could serve as a means of propaganda and communication, since they could disseminate messages of political and social importance.

What was the first Roman coin?

The earliest form of Roman currency was the Aes Signatum, which dates back to the 6th century BC. It was a type of bronze ingot that served as a medium of exchange for goods and services. The ingots were typically cast in round or oblong disks and contained markings indicating their weight, origin, and issuing authority. The markings were made using specially designed dies and stamped onto the ingot's surface. The ingots’ value was determined by their weight, with larger ingots being worth more than smaller ones. The Aes Signatum was eventually replaced by the Aes Grave, a more standardized form of Roman currency made from cast bronze and shaped like a disk with a hollow centre.

What are the main coins minted in ancient Rome?

The ancient Romans issued several coins for various purposes, such as trade, taxation, and military pay. The basic unit of currency was a bronze coin called the as, which was minted from the 4th century BC until the 3rd century AD. The dupondius, introduced a century after, was a bronze coin that was twice the value of an as. The sestertius was also made of bronze and was worth four times an as. It was issued from the 1st century BC until the 3rd century AD. The denarius was a silver coin that was minted from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD and became the standard currency in silver of the Roman Empire. The most valuable coin was the aureus, a gold coin which was produced from the 1st century BC until the 4th century AD. Finally, the antoninianus was a silver coin that was introduced in the late 3rd century AD and served as a replacement for the denarius. During the Low Empire, significant monetary reforms were made, leading to the introduction of new coins like the solidus, which replaced the aureus and the follis.

Which Roman coins can you buy at VCoins?

At VCoins, you can purchase Roman coins minted during the different periods of the Roman period. In the Roman provincial section, you will find an extensive collection of coins issued by the different provinces of the Empire, like Syria or Egypt. Ancient coins from the Roman Imperatorial First Triumvirate in 59 BC to the Roman Imperial period, beginning with Augustus in 27 BC, can be found in the Roman Imperatorial section. Finally, in the Imperial coins sections, customers will find ancient coins from the beginning of the Roman Empire under Augustus in 27 BC, to the fall of the Empire in 476 AD.

Roman provincial coins

Roman provincial coins were issued by provincial authorities within the Roman Empire, rather than by the central authority in Rome. They first appeared in the late 3rd century BC, during the Roman Republic, but became more common during the Imperial period, from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Their production was largely due to the need for local currencies in areas where Roman coins were not widely circulated. The coins were made from a variety of materials, including bronze, silver, and gold, and they ranged in size and denomination. Many of them display a combination of Roman and local depictions accompanied by inscriptions in Greek or other languages that were commonly spoken within the Empire.

Roman republican coins

Roman Republican coins were issued during the Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 to 27 BC. The earliest coins were the Aes Signatum, which were made of bronze and minted in the 4th century BC. Later, the Romans introduced smaller, bronze coins called Aes Grave. In the 3rd century BC, they issued the denarii, which became the standard silver coin of the Roman Republic and continued to be minted into the Roman Empire. Initially, the denarii held a value of 10 ases and showcased the image of the goddess Roma and the Dioscuri accompanied by the inscription ROMA. Later on, the coins began to depict other subjects like renowned leaders and gods.

Roman imperatorial coins

Roman Imperatorial coins were issued during the Roman Republic's civil wars, from 49 BC to 27 BC. They were produced by military leaders who were vying for power during this time, including Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Mark Antony. The coins were often minted to pay soldiers and fund military campaigns and were used to help maintain the loyalty of troops. Their design featured the image of the military leader who issued the coin, along with symbols of power and authority, such as eagles and crowns. Some also included images of gods or goddesses, as well as allegorical figures, such as Victory or Concordia. Among the most common types of coins were the denarii and the aurei.

Roman imperial coins

Roman Imperial coins were issued during the period of the Roman Empire, from 27 BC to 476 AD. The Roman Imperial coinage system was highly organized and standardized, with a wide variety of denominations in three different metals. The denominations of each were the gold aureus, the silver denarius and the bronze as, although there were many others, such as the dupondius, the sestertius, etc. Their design often featured the image of the reigning emperor on the obverse and various symbols of political or religious significance on the reverse. The inscriptions on coins were written in Latin and usually included the name of the reigning emperor, as well as messages of support for his rule. Some of the most significant coins include those minted by Augustus, Trajan, Hadrian, and Constantine the Great.

What are Roman gold coins called?

The most common gold coin from ancient Rome is the aureus. The aureus was introduced during the late Roman Republic, around 85 BC, and was widely used throughout the Empire until the 4th century AD. It was made of pure gold, making it one of the most valuable coins in circulation at the time. The designs and inscriptions on aurei varied depending on the issuing emperor. Some of the most famous ones feature the portraits of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, and Trajan. Other types of Roman gold coins include the solidus, which was introduced by Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD as a replacement for the aureus.

What is the Roman coin most valued by collectors?

The most valued Roman coin among collectors varies depending on several factors such as rarity, historical significance, and condition. However, there are a few Roman coins that are highly sought after and considered to be among the most valuable. One of these is the “Ides of March” aureus, which was minted shortly before Caesar's assassination. Denarii are also very popular for their great variety and quality of manufacture, as well as large bronze coins, such as dupondius and sestertii, with very detailed scenes on their reverses

When was the first denarius minted?

The first denarius was minted around 211 BC, during the Second Punic War, by the Roman Republic. The denarius was introduced as a new silver coin to replace the previously used didrachm and quadrigatus coins. It featured the head of the goddess Roma on the obverse and the Dioscuri (the twin sons of Zeus) on horseback on the reverse. The denarius became the standard silver coin of the Roman Republic and continued to be used during the Roman Empire until it was replaced by the antoninianus in the 3rd century AD.