| ROMAN COINS |
| Ancient Rome was an empire of bonifide splendour that stood parallel to none for five centuries (27 BC -- AD 476); and as a republic, since 509 BC. During this time, the state developed and used a monetary system based on coins that consisted of different metals, weights, sizes, styles, and denominations. The 'Sacra Moneta', or 'sacred money pieces', were struck with designs of Roman pride. They are the most important surviving artifacts of the ancient world, piecing together history and identifying historical figures who would be otherwise unknown. The emperor's portrait, the gods of Rome, accomplishments of ancestors, personifications of the state's concepts, and celebrations of victories, public works and distributions, all adorn the coins. Their strong role as reminders of the empire's superiority over the rest of the world made them just as much a means of publicity as valuable standards of exchange, prized pieces of empirical property in the hands of the Roman citizen. The history of coinage begins with a solid foundation in Lydia (Asia Minor) at about 650 BC. These first coins were staters of electra (a natural gold/silver alloy) for payment of debts to the state. The method of striking never changed throughout the Roman period. A metal disc (or flan) was struck between an obverse and reverse die to shape a new coin. Many were true artistic masterpieces. Centuries later, during the Renaissance, young artists would practice painting portraits using Roman coins as models. Traditional Denominations Aureus Gold (A) 25 Denarius 20mm Denarius silver (AR) 19mm Quinarius Silver (AR) 1/2 Denarius 15mm Sestertius Brass (AE) 1/2 Denarius 25-35mm Dupondius Brass (AE) 1/8 Denarius 28mm As Copper (AE) 1/16 Denarius 24-28mm Semis Brass (AE) 1/32 Denarius 18mm Quadrans Copper (AE) 1/64 Denarius 15mm 1 Aureus equalled 1600 Quadrans The Antoninianus replaced the denarius in 214 CE. It had a double value, was 50% heavier, composed of silver. In 312 CE Constantine replaced the Aureus with the gold Solidus. The common 4thC bronzes (1,2,3,4) had a value of 1/100 and 1/200 of a solidus..... AE 1.....25mm+ AE 2.....21-24mm (1/100 solidus)-- 1 Centenionalis AE 3.....17-20mm (1/200 solidus)--1/2 Centenionalis AE 4.....<17mm Value During Circulation Time Period under construction BACK |
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