Roman Imperial Coins

Which coins are considered Roman Imperial coins?

Roman Imperial coins refer to the coins that were issued by the emperors of the Roman Empire, spanning from the reign of Augustus in 27 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. These coins were the official currency of the Empire and bore the images and inscriptions of the rulers, showcasing their power and authority.

What are the differences between Roman Republican, Roman Provincial, Roman Imperatorial, and Roman Imperial coins?

Republican coins, Imperatorial coins, Provincial coins, and Imperial coins correspond to different periods and contexts within the history of Rome. Firstly, the Republican Coins were issued during the Roman Republic (509 BC to 27 BC). They were minted by magistrates and were typically small and made of silver or bronze. You can see all Republican coins available at our store.

Secondly, Imperatorial Coins were minted during the transition between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, particularly during the late Republic (49 BC to 27 BC). These coins were issued by military commanders, such as Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony, who were vying for power. Here you can find out more about our collection of Roman Imperatorial coins.

Thirdly, Roman Provincial Coins were issued by local authorities within the various provinces of the Roman Empire. They reflected the diversity and regional influences within the empire. In this link, you will find our collection of Roman Provincial coins.

Finally, Roman Imperial Coins were issued during the Roman Empire (27 BC to 476 AD). They were minted in gold, silver, and bronze, with different denominations representing different values. Here you can see our Roman Imperial coins’ collection.

Which Roman Imperial coins are highly sought by collectors?

Collectors of Roman Imperial coins are particularly drawn to several notable coins that hold special significance and rarity within the numismatic world. Among the most highly valued coins are the aurei, gold coins of the High Empire, and also the sestertii, which, due to their large size, allow very complex scenes to be depicted with a high level of detail.

Which emperor minted the most coins?

The Roman emperor who minted the most coins throughout his reign was likely Constantine the Great, who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. As the first Christian emperor and the founder of the Byzantine Empire, he oversaw significant changes in the Roman coinage system. In this regard, Constantine issued a vast number of coins, reflecting his extensive reforms, the spread of Christianity, and his efforts to centralize and stabilize the economy. His coinage featured a range of denominations, including gold solidi, silver argentei, and bronze follis. The prolific minting of coins during his reign is a testament to the influence of his rule, as well as to his contributions to Roman history.

What was the Imperial coinage system like?

The Roman Imperial coinage system was characterized by its meticulous organization and standardization. Augustus established a monetary system based on three metals (gold, silver, and bronze), whose units were the aureus, the denarius, and the ace, in addition to multiples and divisors. This system continued to be used, with some changes, practically throughout the whole of the High Empire. In 214, under Caracalla, another important coin appeared, the Antoninian, which marked the monetary circulation of the 3rd century. Following the reforms of Diocletian and during the Lower Empire, the whole monetary system changed, and the most important coins were the solidus in gold and the follis in bronze. The designs of the imperial coins were crafted to convey important messages. Their obverse typically featured the portrait of the reigning emperor, serving as a visual representation of their authority and legitimacy. On the reverse, there were a variety of symbols and imagery of political or religious significance, showcasing the empire's values. Latin inscriptions including the name of the reigning emperor and expressing support for their rule were also common.

What Roman Imperial coins can you purchase at VCoins?

At VCoins, we offer a wide collection of Roman Imperial coins, from the beginning of the Roman Empire under Augustus in 27 BC to the monetary reform of Anastasius in 491 AD. The coins are grouped by period, with chronological subcategories which include the Twelve Caesars, Adoptive Emperors, the Severan Period, Crisis and Decline, the Secessionist Empires, Recovery of the Empire, the Tetrarchy, the Constantinian Era, and the Late Empire.

The Twelve Caesars

This section includes Ancient Roman Imperial coins minted during the Twelve Caesars period: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. It is important to note that coins minted by Julius Caesar are not included in this category but in the Imperatorial Period. Moreover, here you can find coins bearing the names of historical figures who belonged to the imperial family such as Julia, Livia, Caius and Lucius Caesars, Agrippa, Asinius Gallus, Agrippa, Antonia, Drusus, Livilla, Agrippina, Caesonia and Drusilla Minor, Drusilla, Julia Livilla, Claudia Antonia, Valeria Messalina, Poppaea, Messalina, and Julia Titi. Finally, there are also anonymous Civil War issues.

The Adoptive Emperors

This section features Ancient Roman Imperial coins from the Adoptive Emperors’ period, a term applied to the emperors from Nerva to Marcus Aurelius because they each adopted their respective successors. The emperors included in this period are Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Aelius, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, Commodus, Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus. Moreover, in this section you can find anonymous Quadrantes, coins of the Mines, and coins minted under the name of Plotina, Matidia, Sabina, Antinous, Faustina Senior, Faustina Junior, Lucilla and Pertinax Junior.

Nerva-Antonine Dynasty

The Nerva–Antonine dynasty included seven Roman emperors who ruled from 96 to 192 AD: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus. The first five of these are known as the "Five Good Emperors". Additionally, these first five successions within this dynasty were remarkable because the ruling Emperor lacked a biological male heir and therefore had to choose and legally adopt a successor of his liking. As a result, with the exception of the first and last emperors of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, the rest are commonly referred to as the Adoptive Emperors.

The Severan Period

This section includes Roman Imperial coins minted during the Severan Period, which lasted from 193 until 235. The coins available in the section include those issued by Emperor Septimius Severus, the founder of the Severan dynasty, and his successors: his two sons Caracalla and Geta, Elagabalus, Severus Alexander, Macrinus and his son Diadumenian. Important and politically powerful women such as Julia Domna, Plautilla, Julia Paula, Aquilia Severa, Annia Faustina, Julia Soaemias, Julia Maesa, Orbiana, and Julia Mamaea, are also included here.

Crisis and Decline

This section refers to the Crisis of the Third Century, also known as the Military Anarchy or the Imperial Crisis (AD 235–284), in which the Roman Empire nearly collapsed. The crisis unfolded in 235 when Emperor Severus Alexander was assassinated by his own troops. Over the next 50 years, the Empire confronted barbarian invasions and migrations into Roman territories, civil wars, uprisings, and a climate of political instability with several usurpers competing for power. The crisis ended through a combination of military successes under Aurelian and the rise to power of Diocletian. The emperors and usurpers included in this section are Maximinus I, Gordian I, Gordian II, Balbinus, Pupienus, Gordian III, Philip I, Trajan Decius, Trebonianus Gallus, Aemilian, Valerian I, Gallienus, Macrianus and Quietus. Moreover, you will find coins related to Maximus, Tranquillina, Otacilia Severa, Philip II, Herennia Etruscilla, Herennius Etruscus, Hostilian, Volusian, Mariniana, Valerian II, Salonina and Saloninus.

The Secessionist Empires

The term "Roman Secessionist Empires" refers to breakaway or secessionist entities that emerged during the great crisis of the end of the 3rd century. These entities were often formed by military leaders and regional powers who sought to assert their independence or gain control over specific territories. One of the empires that arouse was the Gallic Empire, with its rulers issuing their own currency, like Carausius. In the eastern part of the Empire Zenobia and Vabalathus also rose up against the Roman Empire.

Recovery of The Empire

This section includes coins minted during the end of the Crisis of the Third Century, which was put to an end thanks to the military victories of Aurelian and the rise to power of Diocletian. Among the emperors and usurpers of this period are Claudius II, Aurelian, Tacitus, Florian, Probus, Carus, Carinus, Numerian, and Julian of Pannonia. Other related figures are Severina, Magnia, Urbica and Nigrinian.

The Tetrarchy

The Tetrarchy refers to the system instituted by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 293 AD. It consisted of the division of the ancient Roman Empire between two emperors, the augusti, and their junior colleagues and designated successors, the caesares. The implementation of the Tetrarchy marked the end of the Crisis of the Third Century. Among the emperors and usurpers included in this section are Diocletian, Maximianus, Domitius Domitianus, Constantius I, Galerius, Severus II, Maximinus II, Maxentius, Licinius I. Moreover, you can also find coins related to other figures from the royal family such as Theodora, Galeria Valeria, Romulus, and Licinius II, as well as Pagan Persecution bronzes.

The Constantinian Era

The Constantinian Era refers to the period starting with the reign of Constantine the Great, who became the sole ruler of the empire in 324. This section also includes coins minted by his successors Constantine II, Constans, Constantius II, Magnentius, Vetranio, Nepotian, Julian II, and Jovian. Other coins featured are those related to Fausta, Helena, Crispus, Delmatius, Hanniballianus, Decentius, and Constantius Gallus, as well as city commemorative and festival of Isis coins.

The Late Empire

In this section are included historical figures who played an important role in the late Empire until its fall in 476. On one side, those related to the Western Roman Empire are Valentinian I, Valens, Procopius, Gratian, Valentinian II, Theodosius I, Aelia Flaccilla, Magnus Maximus, Flavius Victor, Eugenius, Constantius III, Galla Placidia, Priscus Attalus, Constantine III, Constans II, Maximus, Jovinus, Licinia Eudoxia, Petronius Maximus, Avitus, Majorian, Libius Severus, Anthemius, Olybrius, Glycerius, Julius Nepos, and Romulus Augustus. On the other, those included in the Eastern Roman Empire are Arcadius, Aelia Eudoxia, Honorius, Theodosius II, Aelia Eudocia, Valentinian III and Aelia Pulcheria.