Rare and Notable Ancient Roman Coins
In ancient Rome, trade primarily occurred through the barter of goods and commodities of equivalent value. With the introduction of ancient Roman coins, commerce and exchanges between the peoples of Rome and those around the Mediterranean became significantly more streamlined. Below, we explore some of the most famous and rare ancient Roman coins:
EID MAR
The EID MAR coin was minted to commemorate the assassination of Julius Caesar. One side features a bust of Brutus, while the reverse displays two daggers flanking a liberty cap, the latter traditionally worn by freed slaves. This coin is exceedingly rare, as it was largely collected and melted down following Brutus’s suicide after his defeat in battle.
Sestertius
Minted around 135 AD, the Sestertius coin showcases Emperor Hadrian on one side and the Roman goddess of peace on the other. This design is believed to reflect Hadrian’s involvement in the Bar Kokhba revolt, highlighting its historical significance.
Didracma
As the first Republican silver coin of Rome, the Didracma features a side profile of the Roman god of war wearing a Corinthian helmet, with horse figures depicted on the other side. In subsequent years, additional figures such as Apollo, Hercules, and Minerva were introduced to the design, enhancing its variety.
Denario
The Denario made its debut around 211 BC and served as the principal Roman currency until its minting ceased during the reign of Constantine. This coin depicts a head of Roma in profile donning a helmet on one side, while the reverse features the twin brothers Castor and Pollux riding horses alongside the inscription “ROMA”.
Follis
Emperor Diocletian was the first to mint the Follis around 294 AD. This coin was crafted from bronze with a small amount of silver. Due to the turmoil within the Roman Empire at that time, the Follis experienced rapid changes in size and weight, reflecting the economic instability.
Denarius
Another notable Roman silver coin, the Denarius presents an image of an emperor wearing a laurel crown. It first appeared in 211 BC and notably went out of circulation from 238 to 244 AD.
Antoninianus
The Antoninianus is a significant Roman silver coin first issued by Emperor Caracalla around 211 AD, named after him. This coin features an emperor adorned with a radiate crown. However, it eventually fell out of circulation during the reign of Constantine the Great.
Aureus
The Aureus is a notable gold coin of the Roman Empire, recognized as one of the most valuable Roman currencies. It was first minted around 46 BC during Julius Caesar’s rule. Despite its reduced weight, the Aureus contained a high gold content, but trading of this coin ceased during the reign of Constantine the Great.