Roman Imperatorial Coins

Which coins are considered Roman Imperatorial?

Roman Imperatorial coins were minted during the Roman Imperatorial period, which began with the formation of the First Triumvirate in 59 BC and lasted until the establishment of the Roman Empire in 27 BC. These coins were minted in various locations throughout the Empire, such as Ephesus, Athens, Alexandria, and several provincial cities. Moreover, there were mobile mints that travelled with the army to pay the troops. Still, Rome served as the main minting centre, whose mint workshops produced a significant portion of coins under the supervision of mint magistrates. The coins reflected the political and military aspirations of the triumvirs and other influential figures of the time and the inscriptions and imagery on them served as propaganda to symbolize the triumvirs’ power.

What were the first Roman Imperatorial coins?

At the start of 49 BC, Sicinius was appointed as the moneyer by the pro-Pompeian government. His coinage marked the final regular issuance of silver denarii before Caesar's occupation of the city, whose advance eventually forced Sicinius to flee and put the production of these coins to an abrupt end. Around 54 BC, Brutus assumed the role of triumvir monetalis, one of the three men appointed annually for producing coins. He designed a denarius with the portraits of his ancestors Lucius Junius Brutus and Gaius Servilius Ahala, who were widely recognised in the late Republic as defenders of liberty. He also made a second type featuring Libertas, the goddess of liberty. This design expressed Brutus’ admiration for the early republican "tyrannicides” and served as propaganda against Pompey.

What was the Roman Imperatorial coin system like?

The primary denomination of Roman Imperatorial coins was the denarius, a silver coin that served as the standard unit of currency. The denarius was widely circulated and accepted throughout the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Imperatorial coins featured a wide range of designs and inscriptions. On the obverse side, they often displayed the portrait or bust of the issuing authority, usually a prominent political figure or military leader. The reverse side depicted various symbols, mythological figures, or scenes associated with Roman virtues, military victories, or the propaganda messages of the issuing authority. These designs aimed to convey political messages, establish authority, and commemorate important events.

Which Roman Imperatorial coins can you buy at VCoins?

At VCoins, we offer a wide selection of Ancient coins from the Roman Imperatorial period, dating from the First Triumvirate in 59 BC until the beginning of the Roman Imperial period with the reign of Augustus in 27 BC. Here you can find the coins minted by several imperators, including Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompey, Marc Antony and Cleopatra, Brutus and Cassius.

What are the highest-valued Roman Imperatorial coins?

The highest-valued Roman Imperatorial coins are generally those associated with historically significant figures or rare types. However, their value can vary depending on their condition, rarity, historical significance, and demand in the market. A notable example of a valuable Roman Imperatorial coin is the "Brutus EID MAR" denarius, struck by Brutus to commemorate the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March. Another coin highly sought by collectors is the “Elephant” denarius, featuring an elephant trampling a Gallic carnyx, which symbolizes Caesar's triumph over the Gauls. Finally, coins minted during the joint rule of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, particularly those featuring their portraits or symbols associated with their reign, are highly valued due to their association with this renowned political alliance.

Who minted Roman Imperatorial coins?

Roman Imperatorial coins were primarily minted by military commanders and political leaders who held power during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. These individuals, often referred to as "imperator" (meaning "commander") had control over the minting and issuance of coins to fund their military campaigns, gain political support, and assert their authority. Some of the notable figures who minted Roman Imperatorial coins include Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Pompey the Great, Brutus and Cassius and Sextus Pompey.

Brutus

Marcus Junius Brutus (c. 85 BC – 23 October 42 BC) was a Roman politician and orator known as one of Julius Caesar's assassins. Initially, he opposed Pompey and supported Caesar. However, as Caesar became more autocratic, Brutus turned against him and joined Pompey's side during the civil war. After Pompey's defeat, Brutus surrendered to Caesar and received amnesty. Concerned about Caesar's increasingly monarchical behaviour, Brutus and other senators known as the Liberators assassinated him on the Ides of March in 44 BC. This led to Octavian (Caesar's adoptive son) becoming consul and retroactively labelling Brutus and the conspirators as murderers. The conflict escalated into a second civil war between the Caesarians, led by Mark Antony and Octavian, and the Liberatores, led by Brutus and Cassius. After the Caesarians emerged victorious, Brutus committed suicide.

Cassius

Gaius Cassius Longinus (c. 86 BC – 3 October 42 BC) was a Roman senator and general who played a key role in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He was also the brother-in-law of Brutus, another leader in the conspiracy. Cassius began his political career by being elected as Tribune of the plebs in 49 BC. He developed strong opposition to Caesar and fought against him during the Civil War. However, after Caesar's victory at the Battle of Pharsalus, Cassius was forced to surrender. Following Caesar's assassination, he fled to the East and built an army counting on the support of the Senate. Cassius then joined forces with Brutus and confronted the allies of the Second Triumvirate. After suffering defeat in the Battle of Philippi against Mark Antony and Octavian, who were supporters of Caesar, Cassius committed suicide.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopator (70/69 BC – 10 August 30 BC) was the Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, serving as the final ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Her reign began jointly with her brother Ptolemy XIII, but their relationship deteriorated, leading to a civil war. Seeking support, Cleopatra aligned herself with Julius Caesar, and their relationship evolved into a romantic affair. During the civil war from 43 to 42 BC, she supported the Second Triumvirate consisting of Octavian, Lepidus Mark Antony. Cleopatra and Antony began a romantic relationship, which became a subject of controversy in Rome, leading to the final war of the Roman Republic between Octavian and Antony. In 30 BC, Octavian invaded Egypt, defeating Antony, who then took his life. Fearing Octavian's intentions, Cleopatra also committed suicide. With her death, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire, marking the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Cnaeus Pompey

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (29 September 106 BC – 28 September 48 BC), known as Pompey the Great, was a Roman general and statesman. He played a significant role in the transformation of Rome from republic to empire. Pompey rose to prominence serving the dictator Sulla as a commander in the civil war of 83–82 BC. This led to his rapid ascent to becoming a consul and earning the title "the Great" due to his early triumphs. In 60 BC, he formed the First Triumvirate alongside Crassus and Caesar, solidified by his marriage to Caesar's daughter, Julia. Following the deaths of Julia and Crassus, Pompey aligned with the conservative Optimates faction in the Roman Senate. Pompey and Caesar then began contending for leadership of the Roman state, eventually leading to a Civil War. Pompey was defeated at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC and was forced to seek refuge in Ptolemaic Egypt, where he was assassinated by the courtiers of Ptolemy XIII.

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar (100 BC – 44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman who played a crucial role in the Roman Republic's demise. Born into a noble family, Caesar rapidly climbed the ranks of Roman society through his military and political abilities. In 60 BC, he formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, which allowed him to secure consulship. Moreover, his military conquests expanded Rome's territories, including his campaigns in Gaul and his triumph over Pompey in the Civil War. In 49 BC, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, an act that marked the beginning of a conflict with the Roman Senate. The ensuing civil war culminated in Caesar's victory, and he became the absolute ruler of Rome. However, his increasing authority alarmed the Senate, who saw him as a threat to the Republic. On the Ides of March in 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius. His death led to the end of the Roman Republic.

Mark Antony

Mark Antony (83 BC – 30 BC) was a Roman general and statesman during the late Roman Republic. Initially serving as a cavalry officer under Caesar during the Gallic Wars, he earned his trust and friendship. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Antony formed an alliance with Octavian and Lepidus, known as the Second Triumvirate. The Triumvirs defeated Caesar's killers and divided the government of the Republic between themselves. Antony was assigned the eastern provinces, including the client kingdom of Egypt, then ruled by Cleopatra, and was given the command in the war against Parthia. However, his relationship with Octavian deteriorated, leading to a civil war in 31 BC. Later that year, Antony suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Actium, prompting him and Cleopatra to seek refuge in Egypt where they took their own lives.

Octavian

Octavian (63 BC – 14 AD), later known as Augustus, was the first Roman Emperor and played a pivotal role in the transition of the Roman Republic to an empire. After Caesar's assassination, Octavian formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus, successfully defeating their opponents. However, conflicts between them led to Octavian's victory over Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. As a result, he became the sole ruler of Rome. In 27 BC, the Senate bestowed upon him the title of Augustus, marking the beginning of his principate. As Augustus, he implemented significant reforms and instituted a period of stability known as the Pax Romana. Augustus ruled with a careful balance of authority, presenting himself as a guardian of Roman traditions. Under his rule, the Empire reached its greatest extent. Augustus died in 14 AD, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Rome's most influential and respected leaders.

Scipio

Scipio Africanus (236 BC – 183 BC) was a Roman general and statesman known for his role in the Second Punic War. He gained recognition as a commander during the Siege of Saguntum in 219 BC, where he demonstrated his military prowess against the Carthaginians. In 202 BC, Scipio defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama, marking the end of Carthaginian dominance in the war. This victory earned him the title "Africanus". After the war, he held various positions in the Roman government, in which he advocated for diplomatic relations with former enemies, promoted Roman influence in the eastern Mediterranean, and played a crucial role in the annexation of territories in Spain. Despite his achievements, he faced political opposition and accusations of corruption, which led to his retirement from public life. He spent his final years focusing on literature and philosophy.

Sextus Pompey

Sextus Pompeius (67 BC – 35 BC) was a Roman commander and politician, and son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's death, he allied himself with the Optimates, a senatorial faction that opposed Caesar's supporters. He commanded his father's naval forces and gained control over strategic ports, posing a significant threat to the Second Triumvirate. His successful campaigns against the Triumvirs culminated in the Pact of Misenum in 39 BC, which granted him control over several regions, including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and the Peloponnese. However, Octavian, determined to assert his authority, launched a military campaign against him in 36 BC. Following several defeats, Sextus Pompeius retreated to Asia Minor, where he was captured. Octavian ordered his execution in 35 BC, putting an end to the last major challenge of the Second Triumvirate.