Coinage system of Rome: weights and denominations. Roman coins: photo and description Roman gold coin of the 4th century

The Roman Empire is one of the most majestic countries of Antiquity, which received its name in honor of its capital - the city of Rome, the founder of which is considered to be Romulus.

The territory of the empire was striking in its size: it stretched from north to south from Great Britain to Ethiopia, from east to west from Iran to Portugal.

In terms of development, the ancient Romans were far ahead of their time. It was here that Roman law originated and spread; architectural phenomena such as the dome and arch also first appeared in Rome. The empire had sewage systems, excellent baths and saunas with hot water, water mills, by the way, were also invented here, not to mention the roads, which are in perfect condition and are still in use.

Culture and life of the ancient Romans

The official language of the Roman Empire was Latin, the same one that currently denotes most medical terms. In those days, they were able to treat many diseases, including fractures, dental problems (during excavations they found a skull with filled teeth), and performed surgical operations.

In general, the standard of living in the Roman Empire was the highest in those times. She successfully resisted the barbarians, fought several wars with Carthage, eventually wiping out the formidable enemy from the face of the Earth, and also carried out powerful campaigns to seize neighboring territories.

We know a lot about the ancient rulers, science, culture and life of the Romans due to the fact that they kept detailed records of all the outstanding events in the life of the country, many of which have survived to this day.

Form of government and civil liberties

The Romans managed to create and maintain a republican form of government. Even slaves here had their own rights and opportunities. The inhabitants of the country adhered to their own ideology, which subsequently allowed them to expand the territory of the country and make it a huge Superpower of that time.

Patriarchy reigned in Rome. But, despite the fact that the head of the family was the eldest man and all other family members were under his authority, women had some rights and freedoms. Thus, a woman was engaged in household affairs, had the right to move freely around the city or country, visit friends, and attend public meetings.

Politics was carried out exclusively by men, but women from high society were allowed certain privileges. And yet, representatives of the fair sex did not have the right to own real estate, nor did sons until the death of their father. The head of the clan was also in charge of financial matters of the family. He could also recognize the child as his own and support him or order him to be killed.

Education

Education was born in the Roman Empire, which can rightfully be considered the forerunner of the modern education system. Girls and boys entered school at the age of seven. Education was divided into three stages: primary, secondary and higher. At the first two stages, general information was given in each subject, and in high school the emphasis was on the study of public speaking.

Rich families preferred home education for their children; it was considered very prestigious to have a Greek teacher, who, as a rule, was a slave.

There were schools where girls and boys studied together. At the age of 17, young men were required to undergo military training. For girls, education was also compulsory, but it was of a more practical nature - knowledge and skills were supposed to help them carry out housewife duties and raise children.

It was very fashionable to receive higher education in Greece. Rhetoric was mainly taught in schools on the island of Rhodes, which was far from a cheap pleasure, but gave great prospects.

Financial system in the early stages of the formation of Rome

At the dawn of the empire, the Italian economy was built on natural commodity exchange. Let's say a family specialized in production (baking bread), it grew grain, collected, ground and made flour, which it later used. Family members exchanged the finished bread for the goods they needed.

Later, cattle began to play the role of money. With the rise of the country's economy, small ingots of copper and gold appear, which have become more convenient monetary substitutes. Over time, they transformed into the first Roman coins. This is how weighted money appeared.

The first money - copper coins

In the 4th century BC. e. The first Roman bronze coins, called “asses,” began to be minted on the territory of the state. There were two types of aces: imperial and naval, with whom the sailors were paid.

Greek coins - drachmas - are actively used. But Roman silver coins began to be minted in 268 BC. e. These coins depicted gods, rulers and prominent government figures, and various animals.

Empires, photos of samples of which are given below, are found everywhere on the former territory of the state.

The production of coins was carried out by the Senate and a special unit, the prototype of the mint. There are records that during the reign of Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman gold coins were minted by the mint, and sometimes it produced coins that deliberately underestimated the purity of the metal, in other words, counterfeit money.

Gold coins were issued in various denominations: 60 asses (3.5 grams), 40 (2.2 grams) and 20 (1.2 grams) asses.

Variety of silver and copper coins

There were four types of silver coins:

• Denarius, worth 10 asses. Their weight was 4.5 grams.
• Victoriat, the cost of which was equal to 7.5 asses, and the weight was 3.4 grams.
• Quinarius. The equivalent in asses was 5 coins. Weight - 2.2 grams.
• Sestertius (2.5 asses - 1.1 grams).

The denarius was the most common currency made from silver. Such coins participated in both domestic and foreign trade. The double denarius was the most expensive Roman silver coin.

The Roman copper coin, in addition to the asses, had several other types, the main difference being their size and weight.

• ass - 36 grams;
• sevenmiss - 18 grams;
• triens - 12 grams;
• quadrans - 9 grams;
• sextance - 6 grams;
• ounce - 3 grams;
• semuntsia - 1.5 grams.

Silver shortage and new gold coin - aureus

The minting of gold coins stopped after completion and resumed just 100 years later, during the reign of Sulla. The reason for the restoration of this monetary system was the lack of silver and excess of gold in the state, as well as the need to finance the impending war against the Marians.

The new Roman gold coin was called the aureus, which is translated from Latin as “golden”. The weight of the coin was 10.5 grams. The rare ancient Roman coin of Pompey Magna, minted due to a shortage of silver, dates back to this time. After the Sertorian War, aurei went out of use.

Financial reform

A new monetary reform was carried out in 141. Its necessity was caused by the constant fall in the value of aces. Now Roman coins had a new symbol instead of the “X” image - an asterisk or a crossed out ten.

Silver coins such as the sestertius and quinarius also disappear a few years after the reform.

Copper money remained almost unchanged until the beginning of the 1st century, after which it gradually disappeared from the arena. At this time, the Roman Empire already had an impressive size, so the financial needs of the power were met by local coinage: tetradrachms of Macedonia, cystophora of Asia Minor, bronze and other provinces of Rome. There was a credit and bill system, as well as promissory notes.

Bronze was a fairly cheap material, and in order to give the coins a purchasing value, a special abbreviation was printed on them - SC, which stood for Senatus Consulto. Almost all bronze coins issued before the 3rd century had this mark on the reverse side.

On coins of the later times of Aurelian and Postumus, this sign is absent, but on all others it is, and with almost no variation in writing. Also, during the period of prosperity of the Empire, several rare coins were issued from precious metals, with the abbreviations EX, SC. Historians believe that these Roman coins were minted from senatorial bullion of a higher standard.

Image of rulers on money and decoding of inscriptions

The money of different eras depicted the rulers corresponding to that time. Roman emperors stood out quite clearly on coins; there were usually inscriptions and abbreviations around their heads.

For example, on a coin from the time of Domitian, the profile of the ruler is shown, and around you can make out the following inscription: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP XII
IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P PP.

Let's look at this inscription in more detail.

1. The abbreviation IMP means "Imperor" - the commander-in-chief of the Roman army. The title was renewed after each victorious war.
2. The number after the title of Emperor indicates how many times that title has been awarded to that person. If there is no number, it means he received the title only once.
3. CAES - means Caesar. An imperial title dating back to the time of Julius Caesar, in whose name this designation can be seen.
4. AVG - August. Another imperial title. For a long period of time, rulers bore both titles: Caesar and Augustus, as a more modern definition. Later, the title Caesar began to refer to the youngest member of the imperial family.
5. PM - Pontific Maximus, or Supreme Pontiff. If several rulers ruled at the same time, then this title passed to the eldest of the emperors, all the others were simply listed as pontiffs. With the adoption of Christianity, this designation was no longer used. And over time, the title began to belong to the Pope.
6. TRP - translated as tribune of the people, which was a very honorable position in Republican Rome. The number next to the abbreviation indicates the number of times the ruler performed the duties of the above-mentioned office.
7. COS - Consul - the highest position in Rome during the Republic. During the empire, it was often performed by members of the ruling family, but only the Emperor could become Consul more than once. The number shown next to it shows how many times Caesar served as Consul. In the case of Domitian we see the number 16.
8. PP - Father of the Fatherland. The title was awarded to emperors several years after their reign. Domitian received it in his 12th year in power. In the case of the mint, they made a mistake. In the first year of the emperor's reign, a batch of coins was issued with the title of Father of the Fatherland assigned to him; in the next decade, this title was absent from coins.
9. GERM - Germanic. Served as a reminder and glorification of a particular emperor as a conqueror and conqueror of tribes.
10. CENS P - position of censor. As a rule, the emperor fulfilled it for life.

There are a number of other interesting abbreviations, as, for example, on coins from the times of Constantine I, II and Licinius II.

On these coins, in addition to the designations already known to us, the following abbreviations appear.

1. MAX - Maximus, i.e. The Greatest. The title was given to Constantine I, better known as Constantine the Great.
2. SM, P - Sacra coin, or petsunia (money), was sometimes included in the hallmark of the coinage board.
3. VOT - Here is an oath. Each emperor took an oath in which he promised to serve his people. Usually it was repeated after a certain time.
4. PERP - Perpetus - eternal. The definition was used in combination with other titles.
5. DN - Dominus Noster, can be translated as "our master." The ceremony of the new Caesar coming to power began with these words.
6. DV - Divus, which means "divine". This title was awarded to the deceased deified ruler.
7. PT - Pater, father. This inscription appeared on coins with Constantine the Great, which were issued by his sons.
8. VNMR - Venerabilis memoria, or eternal memory. Inscription on coins dedicated to Constantine the Great.

Images of gods on coins of various eras

In addition to the Caesars, Roman coins bore images of their gods. Such coins became widespread in Greece, which was already part of the Roman Empire.

The following deities were mainly depicted:

• Asclepius, patron of medicine.
• Apollo is the god of music and the arts.
• Liber Bacchus is the god of wine and entertainment. The coin was issued during
• Demeter is the goddess of agriculture.
• Celeste is an African goddess, whose cult was especially popular in Rome during the reign of the Severus.
• Artemis is the goddess-hunter. The coin was issued during the time of Julius Domnus.
• Hercules is a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. It was a symbol of strength and steadfastness. Depicted on coins from the period of Septimius Severus.
• Isis is an Egyptian goddess who was very popular in the Empire in the late 3rd century AD. e. It can be seen on the denarius of the times of Julius Domnus.
• Janus appeared frequently on denarii in Republican times, but was extremely rare in the Empire.
• Juno is the wife of the supreme god Zeus. The coin was minted during the time of Julius Maesus.
• Zeus is the sestertius of the North.
• Ares, Mars - bloody god of war. It was popular during the time of Septimius Severus.
• to sweep. Found on the denarius of Emperor Claudius.

Coins can be purchased at auctions starting at $50 each, or from collectors for a negotiable price. They are a frequent exhibit among admirers of antiquity.

Roman coins, photos of which are published in online auctions, can be examined in detail before purchasing. But rare finds that can be viewed in European museums become public knowledge.

Rome. Romano-Campanian coins and the early Republic

The year of the founding of Rome is considered to be 753 BC. At that time, there was no single state on the Apennine Peninsula, and Rome itself did not play a dominant role among other cities. Until 510/9 BC supreme power was in the hands of the kings, the last of whom was Tarquin the Proud. With his overthrow, a republic was established, and government was declared a public matter.

During the early republic - from the fifth to the fourth centuries BC. - The Roman economy functioned as a system in which cattle served as the measure of value. Therefore, the Roman name for money - "PECVNIA" - comes from the word "PECVS" - cattle. From the word "PECVLATVM" - theft of livestock - the word "speculation" is derived; from "CAPITA" - heads of livestock - "capital".

Around the fifth century BC. (some laws in the middle of this century imposed taxes and duties on both the "heads" of livestock and their equivalent in specie) pieces of raw bronze called "AES RVDE" (also "AES INFECTVM") began to appear in circulation, since they were suitable for the production of tools and weapons. Their weight varied - from a few grams to a kilogram or more. There was no gold in circulation, but silver was imported.

The use of bronze was natural, since copper (the main metal in this alloy) was mined in large quantities in the country. But for trade, a more advanced means of payment was needed, the denomination of which could be determined unambiguously and simply. Therefore, the metal was subsequently cast in the form of ingots weighing one pound (12 ounces) with applied primitive images or ornaments (“AES SIGNATVM”), irregular rectangular or oval shape. The image resembled a long branch or a fish bone and was initially applied only to one side. Subsequently, the image began to be applied to both sides, and marks appeared that made it possible to determine the weight (face value).

By 400 BC. Rome becomes the leading force in the union of Latin cities. Trade is expanding, and the monetary system is adapting to it. The organization of a more advanced regular system of weights and measures during the Republic is credited to Servius Tullius. This served as a regulatory element in the use of metals by weight in trade transactions, and was the first step in creating a financial system with a monetary unit with a clearly defined weight and denomination.

According to one version, at the beginning of the 3rd century BC. (researchers Mattingly and Robinson proposed this time for the beginning of the production of "aes grave" - ​​in the second decade of the third century BC - around 289 BC) the production of cast coins of a round shape began ("AES GRAVE" - literally "heavy bronze"). According to another, the issue was started during the “decemvirate” (“DECEMVIRI”, ten consuls), i.e. around 450 BC, or in the second half of the 4th century BC. (possibly around 340-338). Their appearance is no longer archaic, but rather Greek, which indicates the possible participation of Greek coin masters in organizing the release of these coins.

The weight of the largest coin, the assa, was 12 ounces or 1 pound (originally 272.88, later the pound weighing 327.4 grams was used). On the obverse there is a Janus-like head, on the reverse there is mainly the bow of a galley. Such “monsters” were of little use for handling. Therefore, coins weighing from 1/2 to 1/12 assa were also issued - semis (half = 6 ounces), triens (third = 4 ounces), quadrans (quarter = 3 ounces), sextance (sixth = 2 ounces) and ounce ( twelfth part).

Early "AES GRAVE" were of various types. The very first ones have a Janus-like head on the obverse, and Mercury on the reverse. Other denominations in this series: semis - head of Minerva; triens - lightning and dolphin; quadrant - corn grain and hand; sextance - squash and caduceus; ounce - klotik.

The following series featured the head of Apollo, a horse's head, a running boar, a jumping buffalo, a horse, a dog and a turtle. Around 225 BC the type was standardized, and from then on the ass bore on the obverse the head of Janus, the semis - of Saturn, the triens - of Minerva, the quadrans - of Hercules, the sextance - of Mercury, the ounce - of Roma. The reverse of all coins was the same - the bow of a war galley. The denomination was also marked on the coins: ass - I (1); semis - S (1/2). Smaller denominations were indicated in ounces: triens - four points; quadrant - three; sextance - two; ounce - one.

As a result of inflation and a decrease in the weight of the asses in circulation, the decussis (10 asses), tressis (3 asses) and dupondium (2 asses) then appeared. Decussis (III century BC) bore on the obverse the head of Roma or Minerva, on the reverse - the bow of a galley and the denomination designation - X. One of these famous coins (of which very few have survived to this day) has a weight of 1106.6 grams . The dupondium also featured the head of Minerva (Roma), and the tressis (tripondium) carried the same image. The denomination on the dupondium - II - was not always indicated. Dupondias issued by the prefects of the fleet had the designation B. Tressis had the designation III.

The weight of the bronze ace and its factions underwent significant changes during the Republican period. The metal content in the coin did not always correspond to the face value, which turned AES GRAVE into credit money.

Most likely, at the same time as the “coin-shaped” ass, quadrangular boards with images were in circulation - quadrusis and quincusis (so named for their weight - 4 or 5 pounds, respectively). Some researchers, to prove this hypothesis, cite the example of a board with an image of an elephant, saying that before 279 BC. (Pyrrhic Wars, Battle of Asculum, where the Greeks used these animals) elephants were not seen on the Apennine Peninsula. The image was applied to the boards on both sides (bull, pegasus, eagle, tripod, anchor, rooster, trident). Only a few copies of these boards are known today. Dupondia, tresses and decussis are very rare, as well as "AES SIGNATVM".

By 286 BC. Rome establishes control over Northern and Central Italy. Expansion to the south begins, where the interests of the Republic collide with the interests of Greek cities. One of them is Tarentum in its struggle with Rome in 280 BC. and called for help from the Greek king Pyrrhus, who won several victories over the republican troops, but due to heavy losses was forced to leave Italy. According to historical evidence, during the departure of Pyrrhus in 275 BC. There were no coins made of precious metals in regular circulation. Tarentum shared the fate of the rest of the Greek city-states, capitulating in 272 BC.

By 264 BC. Rome dominates all of Italy. Now his interests collide with the Phoenicians. In 264-241 BC. The first Punic War takes place, ending with the victory of Rome, which received its first overseas possession, Sicily, under a peace treaty. In 238 BC. Sardinia was captured by him.

During the release of "AES GRAVE", up to 212 BC. various marks, except for letters and dots indicating the denomination, were not used and the coins were anonymous.

From the 4th century BC. In Rome, coins appeared intended for trade contacts with the Greek colonies in southern Italy - gold, electric, silver and bronze, made in the traditions of Greek coin production. Initially, their legends included the word “ROMANO”, and later “ROMA”. They were minted in Apulia, Samnia and Campania, but most of all in Capua, the main city of Campania (a region in southern Italy). The beginning of their production dates back to 300 BC, the end - to 212 BC. These were the so-called Romano-Campanian coins - silver drachmas and didrachms weighing 3.405 and 6.8 grams, respectively (1/96 and 1/48 of the Greek pound of 377 grams), gold 12 drachmas and 12 didrachmas. (Other dating options for Romano-Campanian coins are 342 BC, 315 BC and 282-272 BC).

The first didrachms of the Greek type, minted (as opposed to cast AES GRAVE) in Southern Italy, bore the head of Mars on the obverse and a horse's head on the reverse. The smaller denomination coins were the liter and the double liter. A liter in Greek coinage tradition was equal to 1/10 of a didrachm. With a price ratio of silver and copper of 1:120, its weight should have been about 80 grams, which was clearly not achieved. Thus, the copper coins were inferior.

This 4 liter coin (AE25) can be stylistically attributed to the series described above, although it dates back to around 264 BC.

The next type, appearing around 269 BC, were didrachms with Hercules on the obverse and a she-wolf nursing twins on the reverse. The weight of the coin was slightly lower - the norm was 6.82 grams.

Roma "settled" on the obverse of didrachms around 265 BC.

The next design change took place around 234 BC. The head of Apollo appeared on the obverse. They minted didrachma, drachma and liter. Later, a half liter coin with excellent design was added to the series.

In 230 BC. Another type change is taking place. They produce didrachms and liters with Apollo. Also, the double liters with Hercules are somewhat different in design.

This was followed by didrachms with quadriga (quadrigates), first issued around 225 BC. On the obverse was the Janus-like head of the Dioscuri of the Roman type, on the reverse was Jupiter in the quadriga, ruled by Victoria. Coins became more “Roman” than “Greek” in style.

In 218 BC. the second Punic War broke out (218-201 BC). At its initial stage, Roman troops suffered a series of heavy defeats from the Carthaginian commander Hannibal, who invaded Italy. An unprecedented number of quadrigates were issued to cover military expenses. Bronze coinage from 217 BC. (coins were no longer cast, but minted) consists only of the assa and its fractions, including the semuntia (1/2 uecia). The liter and its derivatives are excluded from the coinage system. The weight of the ace itself is halved (seven-breasted ace).

The semunation depicted below is dated to 217-215 BC, although in style it is more suitable for the next group - 214-212. BC.

The first Roman gold coins were also issued to cover military expenses. The obverse depicted a Janus-like head, and the reverse depicted two warriors taking an oath. These coins were issued around 217 BC. The Second Punic War ended with the victory of Rome, whose acquisitions this time were Spain and Southwestern Europe.

The credit nature of bronze coins is becoming more and more evident - the weight of an uncial coin by 214-212 AD. BC. reaches 6-7 grams, which corresponds to an ass of ~80 grams, which is four times lower than the original standard (327 grams).

This quadrant is closer in style to the group of 214-212. BC, but lighter in weight.

The financial system of the Republic required changes.

Ancient Rome was a powerful state that occupied large areas. In order to control everything and keep the lands in subjection, it was necessary not only to act by force, but also to have an advanced financial system. With its introduction to the newly conquered lands, it was more difficult for the people to separate from the Romans. In this article we will take a closer look at the coins that were in use in Ancient Rome.

Bronze coins of Rome

Ass

This coin first appeared during the Republic period, although, according to legend, Servius Tullius began minting it. The weight of the ass was 11 grams, and the diameter was 28 mm. It is interesting that before the appearance of this coin, ingots of raw copper were in use.

There was 2 types of this coin: imperial and maritime. The naval ace was used only to pay the sailors' salaries. These coins were minted under the supervision of naval prefects.

On the obverse Janus was depicted, and on the reverse were written the name of the city where the coin was created, the denomination and a ship was depicted. The imperial ace contained an image of the emperor on the obverse, and on reverse there was the emperor's monogram and a colonnade. Various abbreviations were also often carved.

Today the price of such a coin is about 300 US dollars.

Semis

Another ancient Roman bronze coin that was worth ½ asses. The weight of the monetary unit was 3.88 grams and the diameter was 18 mm. The coin was established during the Republic, and abolished under Emperor Hadrian.

On one side of the semis there was a bust of Saturn, and on the other there was a portrait of the emperor. During the Republic, Saturn was depicted on both sides and the denomination designation was the Latin letter “S”.

To add such a coin to your collection, you need to pay price from 60 to 80 dollars.

Triens

This coin had a value of 1/3 asses or 4 ounces. Four dots on both sides indicated that it was worth 4 ounces. This coin weighed 10.58 grams and the size was 23-24 mm.

She had on the obverse the image of the emperor, but during the Republic period Minevra was depicted there. On reverse there is the bow of the galley, if we are talking about sea money, or a colonnade with the emperor’s monogram. It was on the reverse that the denomination of the coin was always written.

Today the market is average triens cost is 50-80 US dollars. Although, there are copies in good condition, the price of which reaches $120.

Quadrans

Quadrans is one of the smallest bronze coins in Roman use. It cost ¼ ace.

Outwardly, it had the shape of an irregular circle. On the obverse it was written “SC”, which indicated the denomination “Senatus Consulto”, and there was also a circular inscription. Reverse contained two hands in the form of a handshake and a circular inscription in Latin.

It is worth noting that this coin disappeared from use in the 2nd century. Throughout the history of its existence, not only bronze, but also copper and silver were used. Therefore, it is quite difficult to determine the average cost today. However, regardless of the metal, all coins weighed 3.3-3.5 grams and had a diameter of 17-19 mm. If we talk about bronze coins, then their approximate price 20-70 US dollars.

Sextance

This coin was worth 1/6 asses, as the name suggests. It weighed 2.85 grams and was about 15 mm in diameter. The denomination on the coin is depicted as 2 circles, which means 2 ounces. Sextance first appeared during the Republic, but disappeared with the collapse of the Roman Empire.

On the obverse various pictures were minted: animals, images of people, shells and much more. There is a dotted decorative border around the entire circle of the coin. Only in the 3rd century did an image of Mercury appear here.

On reverse the bow of a galley or the inscription “ROMA” was depicted. The cost of a sextant on the modern market is around 50 US dollars. There are copies that sell for 10-12 dollars.

Ounce

Ounce is the smallest common coin in the Roman Empire.

Outwardly she not much different from sextance, only its size was 8 mm and its weight was 1.5 grams. Quite a few ounces have survived to this day, but despite this, price their prices are quite low in the modern market. The average price per coin is 10-18 dollars.

Silver coins of Rome

Double denarius or Antoninian

It was most expensive silver coin in Ancient Rome. It weighed at various times from 11 to 15 grams, and the diameter was 27-30 mm.

There were various images on the coin. These could be animals or plants, or they could be deities. The reverse, as a rule, depicted the profile of the emperor or the emperor on horseback. A lot of double denarii have survived to this day in good condition. Therefore they price quite low. On average, such a coin can be purchased for $50.

Denarius

Denarius – most common coin in Ancient Rome. It was used when making external and internal trade transactions. It was first minted in 268 AD. The symbol for the denarius is “X, X”. This symbol is explained by the fact that 1 denarius was equal to 10 asses.

Initially, the weight of this coin was 4.5 grams, but later it periodically changed downward.

Externally a denarius looked like this: on the obverse there was an image of the emperor with a laurel wreath on his head, and an inscription in Latin in a circle; the reverse contained images of Roman gods. It was on the reverse that the mark on the denomination of the coin was located. Today, denarii are sold on the market for 120-150 dollars. If the copy is in excellent condition, then the price can exceed $200.

Double victoriat and victoriat

These silver coins cost 20 asses and 10 asses respectively. They were mostly used in foreign trade. They appeared in 269 as a result of another financial reform.

On the obverse Jupiter was depicted, and on reverse Victoria, from which the name of the coin comes. The double victoriat weighed 6 grams, and the victoriat weighed 3 grams. However, they did not last long. These coins completely replaced denarii, which were more popular among traders, from circulation.

Today buy double victoriat you can get it for 100-120 US dollars, and the Victoriat is about 100 dollars. The safety of coins is usually quite good, since silver is a wear-resistant material.

Quinarius

Quinarium cost 5 asses and was not very popular among traders. However, this coin was minted for almost 5 centuries. 1 quinarium weighed about 1.5 grams, and the diameter was 15 mm.

The denomination of this coin was indicated on the reverse with the sign V or V. Also on reverse the goddess Victoria was depicted, and on the obverse portrait of the emperor. It is interesting that it was in these coins that the salaries of the Roman legionnaires were paid.

To add quinarium to your collection, you must pay price about 70 US dollars. Shipping costs are usually also the responsibility of the buyer.

Sestertius

This coin cost only 2 asses and was made of silver for a long time, but after Emperor Augustus it began to be minted from brass.

The denomination was designated "IIS". On the obverse depicted an ancient Roman god, and on reverse the emperor was minted. There was a small decorative border on both sides, but due to technological features, it was not around the entire circle of the coin. Each such coin weighed approximately 11 grams and its diameter was 24-26 mm.

Today average price on the market for sesterces is 180 dollars.

Semi-victorial

Semi-victory is smallest silver coin Ancient Rome.

On it, unlike Victoriat, on the obverse Apollo was depicted on reverse a portrait of the emperor remained. This coin was worth ½ denarius and the letter “S” was used to denote the denomination. Today is his price is approximately 140 dollars.

Gold coins of Rome

Gold denarius or aureus

On the obverse, as a rule, the image of the emperor was minted without any inscriptions, and on reverse there was the goddess Victoria. It is interesting that the first such coins were made only from high-grade gold, but over the 500 years of their existence, the quality of the raw materials has noticeably decreased, as well as the value of the coins themselves. This was connected with the ongoing financial reforms and devaluations.

Today buy a gold denarius possible for 10-12 thousand US dollars. Although, there are copies that cost up to $18,000.

Sesterces

Very popular gold coins were sestertii. They had denominations 60, 40 and 20. These banknotes were used to pay the salaries of the Roman commanders-in-chief, as well as to make external trade payments. Most of these coins were of a propaganda nature.

They depicted emperors accepting the surrender of rebellious peoples or suppressing an uprising. On the other side was the profile of the emperor with a laurel wreath on his head. On most coins, the overlords faced to the right.

All golden sisters are different high quality and detailed drawing of the pattern. 60 sisters weighed about 25 grams, 40 sisters weighed about 20 grams and 20 sisters weighed 19.5 grams. The diameter of the coins varied from 32 mm to 41 mm.

To purchase such coins today, you need to pay quite a lot. average price on the market is about $10,000. However, samples of average quality can sell for 7-8 thousand dollars.

Golden Quinarium

Another gold ancient Roman coin. It was small and light, so it was used to pay soldiers' salaries. This coin was easy to store and carry. Its size and weight were the same as that of a silver quinarium, but its value was much higher. 2 gold quinaria were equal to one aureus.

To purchase such a coin today, you need to pay price 5-7 thousand dollars.