The denarius remained popular until disappeared from circulation around 238-244 A.D. Ancient Romans started to price their goods and services denominated in denarii. As the economics changed, the amount of the alloy increased from 5% to up to 50%, and it was still very much in demand this perceived value compensated for the actual metal value of the coin itself. Even though this coin was made of silver and a 5% alloy, it was in demand. One of the reasons for the success of the Roman denarius was its perceived value. It was the most desired and practical of all Roman coins during its day. The denarius was created to pay mercenaries in the Roman armies for their services, as opposed to being paid in the traditional Roman bronze coins of the time. This coin was made with high purity Silver and weighed about 4.5 grams, which made it a little larger than the current United States dime. The Silver denarius was the most important coin in Ancient Rome for almost 500 years and was introduced into circulation as early as 211 B.C. That is because there was no standard for the value of precious metals at that time. For example, researched estimates show the denarius value ranged from 1.6 to 2.85 times its metal content – making it a significant coin in Ancient Rome. Roman coins had significant intrinsic value not always equivalent to their Precious Metal content. It was replaced by the Solidus, which was struck for seven centuries by the Byzantines, even after the fall of the Roman Empire. This coin was changed in size and weight depending on the economic situation of the times. The Antoninianus was worth two Denarii, or approximately 32 Aes.įinally, the gold coin of the Romans was the Aureus, which was equal to 25 Denarii or 400 Aes. It was worth approximately 16 Aes – sometimes less and sometimes more. The Roman Denarius was the standard silver coin of the Roman Empire. Its value varied, but it was generally greater than a Sestertius. A Follis is a larger bronze coin made with a small amount of silver included. The Sestertius was a larger brass coin worth 4 times the value of an Aes. The Dupondius was worth twice what an Aes coin was worth and had twice the buying power. It was struck in bronze and later in copper, and as its buying power decreased, the size of the coin generally decreased. The least valuable coin, but one of the most struck coins, was the Aes, similar to our one-cent piece. The Romans used a variety of coins, sizes, and metals for their currency. This led to generations of wealth and growth he could never have imagined when commissioning the first Roman coins. The Emperor would financially benefit from coins bearing his likeness and struck in his honor, as numerous examples would be given to him. Julius Caesar was the first Roman to order that coins be struck featuring his portrait, starting a trend that many Roman Emperors after him would follow. Coins were also struck to commemorate festivals, appease the gods, or celebrate important events such as a victory in battle over an opponent. Coins were often used during ancient times to cement higher positions of power as Emperors wished to be depicted with a god-like status – one of the first being Julius Caesar. This period of political and geographical expansion for Rome resulted in very interesting coins minted as a symbol of status, power, and subjugation. During the time of the Roman Republic, Rome expanded its control over the known Mediterranean world. when Rome was still considered a Republic. They have a difficult time believing they could own a very old and historic coin or actually build a real collection of different Roman Emperors.Īlthough coins were an integral part of ancient societies – especially in Mesopotamia and in Ancient Greece – Ancient Roman coins were a later entry, though these coins date as far back as the 4th century B.C. Most people have only seen Roman coins in museums or in movies.
0 kommentar(er)
