Numismatics - Antique coins. Rome

The Roman Empire is one of the most majestic countries of Antiquity, which was named after its capital - the city of Rome, whose founder 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, such architectural phenomena as the dome and arch also first appeared in Rome. The empire had a sewage system, there were 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 language that today 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 at that time. She successfully resisted the barbarians, waged several wars with Carthage, eventually obliterating the formidable enemy from the face of the Earth, and also conducted 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 our times.

Form of government and civil liberties

The Romans managed to create and maintain a republican form of government. Even the slaves here had their rights and opportunities. The inhabitants of the country adhered to their own ideology, which later allowed 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 an older man and all other members of the family were under his authority, women had some rights and freedoms. So, a woman was engaged in household affairs, had the right to freely move around the city or country, visit friends, and attend public meetings.

Politics were exclusively men, but women from high society were allowed some privileges. And yet, the fair sex did not have the right to own real estate, as did the sons until the death of their father. The head of the clan was also involved in the financial issues of the family. He could also recognize the child as his own and keep him or order him to be killed.

Education

In the Roman Empire, education originated, which can rightfully be considered the predecessor 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. In the first two stages, general information in each subject was given, and in higher education the emphasis was on the study of oratory.

Wealthy 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 had to undergo military training. For girls, education was also compulsory, but it was more practical - knowledge and skills were supposed to help them fulfill the responsibilities of a housewife and raising children.

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

The financial system in the early stages of the formation of Rome

At the dawn of the empire, the Italians' economy was built on natural commodity exchange. Suppose a family specialized in the production (baking of bread), it grew grain, collected, ground and made flour, which it later used. The 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 were transformed into the first Roman coins. This is how weight money appeared.

First money - copper coins

In the 4th century BC. e. on the territory of the state, the first Roman bronze coins, which were called "ases", began to be minted. There were two types of ases: imperial and naval, with which sailors were paid salaries.

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 figures of the state, various animals.

Empires, photo samples of which are given below, are found everywhere in the former territory of the state.

The Senate and a special division, the prototype of the mint, were engaged in the manufacture of coins. There are records that during the reign of Gaius Julius Caesar, a Roman gold coin was minted by the mint, and sometimes he produced coins, deliberately lowering the fineness of the metal, in other words, counterfeit money.

Gold coins were issued in different 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 ass was 5 coins. Weight - 2.2 grams.
• Sestertium (2.5 assa - 1.1 grams).

Denarius was the most common currency made of silver. Such coins were involved in both domestic and foreign trade. The Double Denarius was the most expensive Roman silver coin.

The Roman copper coin, in addition to the ases, had several other types, the main difference between which was their size and weight.

• ass - 36 grams;
• semis - 18 grams;
• triens - 12 grams;
• quadrance - 9 grams;
• sextant - 6 grams;
• ounce - 3 grams;
• semuntia - 1.5 grams.

Silver scarcity and the new gold coin - Aurey

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

The new Roman gold coin became known as aureus, which is Latin for "gold". The weight of the coin was 10.5 grams. The rarest ancient Roman coin of Pompey Magna, minted due to the shortage of silver, dates back to this time. After the Sertorian War, the aurea fell out of use.

Financial reform

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

Silver coins such as 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 they gradually disappear 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 coins: tetradrachms of Macedonia, cystophores of Asia Minor, bronze and other provinces of Rome. There was a credit, bill system, and IOUs.

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 stands for Senatus Consulto. Almost all bronze coins issued before the 3rd century had this sign on the reverse side.

On the coins of the later times of Aurelian and Postumus, this sign is absent, but on all the others it is, and almost without variations in spelling. Also during the prosperity of the Empire, several rare coins of precious metals were issued, with the abbreviations EX, SC. Historians believe that these Roman coins were minted from a higher standard of senatorial bullion.

Image of rulers on money and decoding of inscriptions

On the money of different eras, the rulers corresponding to that time were depicted. The Roman emperors on the coins stood out quite clearly, inscriptions and abbreviations usually went 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 analyze this inscription in more detail.

1. The abbreviation IMP means "Emperor" - the commander-in-chief of the Roman army. The title was renewed after each victorious war.
2. The number after the title of Emperor means how many times this title has been awarded to this person. If there is no number, it means that he received the title only once.
3. CAES - means Caesar. An imperial title that dates back to the time of Julius Caesar, in whose name you can see this designation.
4. AVG - August. Another imperial title. For a long period of time, the rulers bore both titles: Caesar and Augustus, as a more modern definition. Later, the title of Caesar began to refer to the younger representative of the imperial family.
5. PM - Pontific Maximus, or Supreme Pontiff. If there are several rulers at the same time, then this title passed to the eldest of the emperors, all the rest were listed simply 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 - translates as tribune of the people, which was a very honorable position in Republican Rome. The number next to the abbreviation indicates how many times the ruler has performed the duties of the aforementioned office.
7. COS - Consul - the highest office in Rome during the republic. During the empire, it was often performed by members of the ruling family, however, only the Emperor could become Consul more than once. The number shown alongside shows how many times Caesar acted as Consul. In Domitian's case, we see the number 16.
8. PP - Father of the Fatherland. The title was awarded to the emperors several years after their reign. Domitian received it in his 12th year in power. In the case of the mint, it 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 is absent on the coins.
9. GERM - Germanic. Served as a reminder and glorification of a particular emperor as the conqueror and conqueror of the tribes.
10. CENS P is the position of censor. As a rule, the emperor performed it for life.

There are a number of other interesting abbreviations, such as on the coins of 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, that is, the Greatest. The title was given to Constantine I, better known as Constantine the Great.
2. SM, P - Sacra coin, or petsunia (money), sometimes included in the stamp of the college for minting coins.
3. VOT - Vota 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 is eternal. The definition has been used in conjunction with other titles.
5. DN - Dominus Noster, can be translated as "our lord". The ceremony of the coming to power of the new Caesar began with these words.
6. DV - Divus, which means "divine". This title was conferred on a 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 Memorial, or Eternal Memory. Inscription on coins dedicated to Constantine the Great.

Images of gods on coins of different eras

Besides the Caesars, Roman coins bore images of their gods. Such coins were widely used in Greece, which was already part of the Roman Empire.

The following deities were mainly depicted:

• Asclepius, who is the patron saint of medicine.
• Apollo is the god of music and arts.
• Lieber Bacchus is the god of winemaking and entertainment. The coin was issued at the time
• Demeter is the goddess of agriculture.
• Celeste is an African goddess whose cult was especially popular in Rome during the reign of the Severs.
• Artemis is the goddess of the huntress. The coin was issued during the time of Julius Domna.
• Hercules is a demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. 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 at the end of the 3rd century AD. e. She can be seen on the denarii from the time of Julius Domna.
• Janus appeared frequently on Republican denarii, 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 Meza.
• Zeus is the sestertius of the North.
• Ares, Mars is the bloody god of war. It was popular during the time of Septimius Severus.
• to sweep. Found on the denarius of the Emperor Claudius.

Coins can be purchased at auctions starting at $ 50 apiece, or from collectors for a negotiated 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 buying. But rare finds, which can be seen in museums in Europe, become public.

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 kings, the last of whom was Tarquinius the Proud. With his overthrow, a republic was established, and administration was declared a public matter.

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

Around the fifth century BC. (some laws of the middle of this century established taxes and duties both in the "heads" of cattle and in their equivalent in metallic money) pieces of rough 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 was different - 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 perfect means of payment was needed, the denomination of which could be unambiguously and simply determined. Therefore, the metal subsequently began to be cast in the form of ingots weighing a pound (12 ounces) with applied primitive images or ornaments ("AES SIGNATVM"), irregular rectangular or oval shape. The image resembled a long branch or fishbone and was originally applied to only one side. Subsequently, the image began to be applied on both sides, marks appeared that made it possible to determine the weight (denomination).

By 400 BC. Rome becomes the leading force in the alliance of Latin cities. Trade is expanding, and the monetary system is adapting to it. Servius Tullius is credited with organizing a more perfect regular system of measures and weights during the times of the republic. This served as a regulatory moment in the use of metals by weight in trading operations, 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 suggested this time for the beginning of the issue of "aes grave" - ​​in the second decade of the third century BC - about 289 BC) The release of cast round-shaped coins began ("AES GRAVE" - literally "heavy bronze"). According to another, the issue was started at the time of the "decemvirate" ("DECEMVIRI", ten consuls), i.e. about 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 minters in organizing the issue of these coins.

The largest coin, the ass, weighed 12 ounces or 1 pound (originally 272.88, later a pound weighing 327.4 grams was taken as the basis). On the obverse there is a Janus-like head, on the reverse, mainly, the bow of a galley. Such "monsters" were of little use for circulation. Therefore, coins were also issued weighing from 1/2 to 1/12 ass - sevens (half = 6 ounces), triens (third = 4 ounces), quadrance (quarter = 3 ounces), sextans (sixth part = 2 ounces) and ounce ( twelfth part).

The early "AES GRAVE" were of various kinds. The obverse of the earliest depicts a Janus-like head, the reverse - Mercury. Other denominations in this series: Semis - head of Minerva; triens - lightning and dolphin; quadrance - corn grain and hand; sextans - squash and caduceus; ounce - klotik.

The next series carried 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 that time on, the head of Janus, the semis of Saturn, the triens of Minerva, the quadrance of Hercules, the sextans of Mercury, the ounce of Roma were assorted on the obverse. The reverse was the same for all coins - the nose of a battle galley. The denomination was also applied to the coins: ass - I (1); semis - S (1/2). Smaller denominations were indicated in ounces: triens - four points; quadrance - three; sextans - two; ounce is one.

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

The weight of the Bronze Ass and its factions underwent significant changes during the Republican period. The metal content of 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-like" ass, there were quadrilateral boards with images in circulation - quadrusis and quincusis (so named by weight by weight - 4 or 5 pounds, respectively). Some researchers, in support of this hypothesis, cite an example of a card with an image of an elephant, saying that before 279 BC. (Pyrrhic wars, the battle of Askulum, where these animals were used by the Greeks) no elephants were seen on the Apennine Peninsula. The image was applied to the boards on both sides (bull, pegasus, eagle, tripod, anchor, rooster, trident). These boards are known today in only a few copies. Dupondia, tressis and decussis, as well as "AES SIGNATVM" are very rare.

By 286 BC. Rome takes control of Northern and Central Italy. Expansion to the south begins, where the interests of the Republic clash with the interests of the Greek cities. One of them is Tarentum in his struggle with Rome in 280 BC. and called for help from the Greek king Pyrrhus, who won several victories over the republican troops, but was forced to leave Italy due to heavy losses. 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 clash with those of Phoenicians. In the years 264-241. BC. the first Punic War takes place, which ended in the victory of Rome, which, according to a peace treaty, received its first overseas possession - Sicily. In 238 BC. he captured Sardinia.

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

From the 4th century BC coins appeared in Rome, intended for trade contacts with the Greek colonies in the south of Italy - gold, electro, silver and bronze, made in the traditions of Greek coinage. Initially in their legends the word "ROMANO" was put down, and later "ROMA". They were minted in Apulia, Samnia and Campania, but most of all in Capua, the main city of Campania (an area 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 didrachmas weighing 3.405 and 6.8 grams, respectively (1/96 and 1/48 Greek pounds in 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 (in contrast to the cast AES GRAVE) in southern Italy, bore the head of Mars on the obverse, and a horse's head on the reverse. The smaller denominations were liters and double liters. A liter in the Greek coinage tradition was equal to 1/10 of a didrachma. With a ratio of the cost of silver and copper of 1: 120, its weight should have been about 80 grams, which was clearly not fulfilled. Thus, the copper coins were defective.

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

The next type, which appeared around 269 BC, was 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 the didrachmas around 265 BC.

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

In 230 BC. there is another type change. Produce didrachmas and liters with Apollo. Also somewhat excellent in design are double liters with Hercules.

This was followed by the quadriga didrachmas (quadrigates), first issued around 225 BC. On the obverse there was a Janus-like head of the Roman-type Dioscuri, on the reverse - Jupiter in a quadriga ruled by Victoria. The coins became more "Roman" than "Greek" in style.

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

The semuntia pictured 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 depicts a Janus-like head, the reverse depicts 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 character of bronze coins manifests itself more and more - the weight of the uncial coin by 214-212. BC. comes to 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 214-212 group. 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 period of the Republic, although, according to legends, Servius Tullius began minting it. The weight of the ass was 11 grams and the diameter was 28 mm. Interestingly, before the appearance of this coin, ingots of raw copper were in use.

There was 2 types of this coin: imperial and naval. The nautical ass was used only for the payment of salaries to sailors. These coins were minted under the supervision of the prefects of the fleet.

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

Today the price of such a coin is about $ 300.

Semis

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

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

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

Triens

This coin had a value of 1/3 ass or 4 ounces. Four dots on either side indicated 4 ounces were being charged for it. This coin weighed 10.58 grams, and the size was 23-24 mm.

She had on obverse the image of the emperor, but during the period of the Republic, Minera was depicted there. On the reverse there is the bow of the galley, when it comes to sea money, or the colonnade with the monogram of the emperor. It was on the reverse that the denomination of the coin was always written.

Today the market has an average trience cost is 50-80 USD. Although, there are examples in good condition, the price of which goes up to $ 120.

Quadrans

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

Outwardly, it had the shape of an irregular circle. On obverse it was written "SC", which stood for 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 should be noted that this coin disappeared from use in the 2nd century. Throughout the history of its existence, not only bronze was used, but also copper and silver. Therefore, it is rather difficult to determine the average cost today. However, regardless of the metal, all the coins had a weight of 3.3-3.5 grams and a diameter of 17-19 mm. If we talk about bronze coins, then their approximate price USD 20-70.

Sextans

This coin cost 1/6 ass, as the name implies. 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. Sextans first appeared during the Republic, and disappeared with the collapse of the Roman Empire.

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

On the reverse depicted the bow of the galley or the inscription "ROMA". Sextant costs about 50 US dollars on the modern market. There are copies that sell for $ 10-12.

Ounce

Ounce is the smallest a common coin in the Roman Empire.

Outwardly she not much different from sextans, 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 they are quite low in the modern market. The average price per coin is $ 10-18.

Silver coins of Rome

Double denarius or Antoninian

It was the 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 in good condition have survived to this day. Therefore their price low enough. On average, such a coin can be purchased for $ 50.

Denarius

Denarius - the most common coin in ancient Rome. It was used when making external and internal trade transactions. It was first minted in 268 AD. The denarius symbol is the designation "X, X". This symbol is explained by the fact that 1 denarius was equated to 10 assam.

Initially, the weight of this coin was 4.5 grams, but in the future it periodically changed to a smaller side.

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

Double Victorian and Victorian

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

On obverse depicted Jupiter, and on the reverse Victoria, from which the name of the coin came. The double victoriats weighed 6 grams, and the victoriats weighed 3 grams. However, they existed for a relatively short time. These coins completely supplanted denarii from circulation, which were more popular with merchants.

Today buy double victoria you can for 100-120 US dollars, and the victoria is about 100 dollars. The preservation of coins is generally quite good, as silver is a wear-resistant material.

Quinarium

Quinarius cost 5 aces and was not very popular with merchants. However, this coin has been minted for almost 5 centuries. 1 quinarius weighed about 1.5 grams, and its diameter was 15 mm.

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

To add a quinarius to your collection, you need to pay price about $ 70. Shipping costs are usually also borne by the buyer.

Sestertius

This coin cost only 2 ass and was made of silver for a long time, but after the emperor Augustus it was minted from brass.

The denomination was designated "IIS". On obverse depicted the ancient Roman god, and on the 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 had a diameter of 24-26 mm.

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

Semi-victorious

Semi-victorious is smallest silver coin Ancient Rome.

On it, unlike the victoriata, on obverse depicted Apollo, on the reverse there was a portrait of the emperor. This coin cost ½ a denarius and the letter "S" was used to designate the denomination. Today his price is approximately $ 140.

Gold coins of Rome

Golden denarius or aureus

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

Today acquire a golden denarius you can for 10-12 thousand US dollars. Although, there are copies that cost up to $ 18,000.

Sesterces

Sesterces were very popular gold coins. They had denominations 60, 40 and 20... These banknotes were used to pay the salaries of the Roman commander-in-chief, as well as to carry out external trade settlements. Most of these coins were propaganda in nature.

They depicted emperors who accept the surrender of recalcitrant peoples or suppress an uprising. On the other side, the profile of the emperor with a laurel wreath on his head was minted. On most of the coins, the overlords looked to the right.

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

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

Golden quinarius

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

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

In the era of transition from the direct exchange of goods to the introduction of monetary circulation, livestock was the main means of payment. The memory of this time is preserved in the Roman name of money "pekunia" (from "pecus" - cattle). Subsequently, they began to pay for goods with rectangular copper bars weighing about one and a half kilograms, and these, in turn, gave way to real coins that appeared in Rome in the middle of the 5th century BC. The main currency was the copper ass - an ingot of copper weighing 1 Roman pound, or 1 libra (322.8 g), which was 12 ounces, 26.9 g each. I must say that initially in different regions of Italy there were certain differences in the system of measures and weights. The so-called Oka pound, or libra (about 273 g), corresponded in weight, as can be seen from its name, "libral ace". Gradually, throughout Italy, the Roman libra became the main measure of weight, so the ass, which weighed 322.8 g, was designated by the letter "L". As time went on, the Roman ass became lighter and lighter: its weight dropped to ¼ or even 1/6 pound. In the 1st century BC. the Romans began to say: "Ass you have, Ass you stand!" (Petronius. "Satyricon"), implying an insignificant thing by ass. Only from the 4th century BC. in Rome began to mint a silver coin.

Its appearance was associated with the growing contacts between Rome and the Greek colonies in southern Italy, where money from precious metals has long been in circulation. About 340 B.C. in Capua, they began to issue a silver coin for Rome according to the Greek model. These were didrachms - two-drachma coins weighing 7.58 g, later in 6.82 g. The formal organization of the minting in the Republic took place in 289 BC. with the establishment of a special board of 3 people. Their first task was to produce asses and copper ingots still in circulation with the official seal ("signatures") stamped on them. Silver coins - denarius and sestertii - began to be minted in Rome in 269 or 268 BC. At that time, a denarius weighed 4.48 g, or 1/72 of a libra. In the era of the 2nd Punic War, the first gold coin, the scruple, equal to 20 silver sesterces, became widespread. In Rome, the workshop where the money was minted was located near the Temple of Juno of the Coin ("Warning"). Hence the word "coin" which has entered into European languages. The most valuable source on the history of coinage in Rome "Natural History" by Pliny the Elder (Book 33, 42-48). He says that before the forced withdrawal of the troops of King Pyrrhus from Italy in 275 BC. the Roman people were happily ignorant of precious metal money. There were no gold or silver coins, and in circulation there was only a copper ass, which weighed 1 pound. In all calculations, money was measured by weight, so the warrior's salary was called "scholarships" (from "pendo" - I am weighing).

And subsequently, the scales remained one of the attributes of a trade transaction. So, during mancipation - a formal procedure for transferring any property or slaves into the ownership of a new owner, the buyer, in the presence of witnesses, hit the scales with a piece of copper on the scales and then, together with the required amount of money, handed over to the seller. Servius Tullius, one of the ancient Roman kings, introduced, according to Pliny, the custom of marking pieces of copper with a special state sign. Modern researchers attribute the emergence of this custom already to the era of the Republic, to the 5th century BC. Images of cattle were minted on copper coins. Silver coins, Pliny reports, began to be issued only 5 years before the 1st Punic War. It was determined that a denarius should weigh 10 pounds, a quinarius 5, and a sestertius 2 and a half. The lack of funds for waging the war with Carthage forced the Roman authorities to resort to damage to the coin, to put into circulation ases, the weight of which was 6 times less than before. This measure proved to be successful and brought considerable benefits to the impoverished treasury. With the help of a stamp on copper coins, the head of the two-faced Janus was depicted on one side, and the bow of the ship on the other, while on small coins - triens and quadrants - they were placed entirely. Bigi and quadrigi were engraved on silver coins, hence the names of the coins "bigat" and "quadrigat". Finally, in 104 BC, Pliny adds, Rome was introduced to a new currency, the Victoriatus, decorated with the image of the goddess Victoria. However, Pliny is mistaken: the Romans began to mint Victorians as early as 268 BC, and 40 years later they opened a special mint on the island of Korkira. These coins were issued there, equal in weight to ¾ denarius.

They were used mainly in trade relations with the Greek states, because they were equivalent to the Greek drachma and therefore facilitated mutual settlements. In the internal money market of the Roman state, the Victorians did not spread for a long time and were viewed more as a foreign currency. Only at the turn of the II-I centuries BC. the victoriate was equated to half a denarius and was to enter into circulation on the domestic market from now on. Speaking about the minting of coins in the provinces, we note that some Greek cities within the empire retained the right to issue their own coins, and this was an important privilege for them, granted to them either by the emperor himself or by his governor in the province. This privilege meant recognition of the prominent political, economic and administrative role of the city and gave it greater independence in its internal affairs. In addition, allowing the city to have its own mint helped provide the province with the amount of small change it needed. At the time of the fall of the Republic, the Roman monetary system was largely shaken by the economic and political crisis. The main unit of the monetary account was still the sestertius, which retained this role until the 3rd century inclusive. The most common denomination was the silver denarius, which weighed 3 of the scruple. His factions were less common: the quinarius, the victoriates, and the sestertius nummus. The gold coin was issued only by chance, for example, Caesar issued in 46-44 BC. gold coins worth 20 million denarii for distribution to the army and citizens. Of the bronze denominations, ass. Anthony minted sestertii, dupondia, ases and semis. In general, the Roman republican monetary system was based on silver and bronze denominations.

Monetary system of the Early Empire

Monetary reform of Augustus and the system of monetary circulation during the Juliev-Claudian dynasty

After Octavian came to power, he spent in 31-27 BC. monetary reform. Its main content is an introduction to the systematic circulation of the gold coin "Aurea" and changes in the circulation of the copper coin. As you know, the aurey was minted in the amount of 40 pieces from the libra and weighed 8.19 g. Until August, it was knocked out only sporadically. Denarius remained unchanged and was knocked out in the amount of 84 pieces from a pound, weighed 3.89 g, was 3 3/7 scruple of pure silver. The following changes take place in the circulation of the copper coin. A more expensive type of copper alloy appears - aurichalk, from which sestertium weighing 27.3 g and dupondium weighing 13.36 g are minted. Three denominations are minted from bronze - ass weighing 10.92 g, semiss - 4.59 g, quadrance - 2, 7 g

The composition of the denominations in August:

Gold

Aureus = 2 gold quinarii = 25 denarii = 100 sesterces

Silver

Denarius = 2 silver quinarii = 50 sesterces

Aurichalk

Sestertius = 2 dupondia = 4 ass = 16 quadrants

Bronze

1 ass = 4 quadrants

Nero's coin reform 64

There is a decrease in the weight of coins made of precious metals. Aureus was knocked out in the amount of 45 pieces from the libra and weighed 7.28 g, the weight of the denarius dropped to 3 scruples and amounted to 3.41 g. The ratio between gold and silver remained the same. The most disastrous consequences were not the decrease in the weight of the coins, but their damage. Under Nero, denarius began to include a small amount of ligature 15%. Nero minted 2 types of quadrants: from copper 3.08 g and aurichalka 2.1 g.

Money circulation during the Civil War of 68-69

There are no major changes. The weight of the coins of the military minting remained the same. Aureas weigh 7.26 g (Galba), 7.24 g (Oton), 7.32 g (Vitellius). The weight of the sestertius decreased slightly, but Galba increased the size of the copper coins.

Flavian coinage

Under the Flavias, no drastic changes took place. Semis is introduced into circulation, equal to half of the ass. A slight increase in the weight of coins occurs during the reign of Domitian in 82. The weight of aureus rose from 7.25 to 7.58 g, denarius from 3.18 to 3.32 g, sestertius to 25.62, ass to 11.05 g. Thus, his coins were the largest of the Flavians. The average weight of the Flavian coins was as follows.

The composition of the denominations under the Flavias:

Gold

Aurey - 7.41 g

Quinarius (half aurea) - 3.70 g

Silver

Denarius - 3.20 g

Quinarius (half a denarius) - 1.56 g

Kistofor - 10.18 g

Aurichalk

Sestertium - 25.51 g

Dupondium - 12.88 g

Bronze

Ass - 10.90 g

Semis - 3.27 g

Quadrans - 2.22 g.

Coinage under the first Antonines

The composition of the denominations during the first Antonines:

Gold

Aurey - 7.40 g

Quinarius (half aurea) - 3.60 g

Silver

Silver medallions (Mattingly):

7 denarii - 22.07 g

8 denarii - 25.36 g

12 denarii - 35.85 g

Denarius - 3.18 g

Quinarius (half a denarius) - 1.50 g

Cystophore - 10.06 g

Aurichalk

Sestertium - 25.76 g

Dupondium - 12.94 g

Bronze

Ass - 9.73 g

Semis - 3.70 g

Quadrans - 2.10 g.

Monetary relations under Antoninus Pius and the last Antonines

No major changes have occurred. Aurei were minted according to Nero's reduced standard. The golden quinarius was produced irregularly, at large intervals. Denarius continued to lose weight and quality of metal. A silver quinarius during the reign of Antoninus Pius is becoming a rarity, somewhat more often it was knocked out under Mark and Commodus. Large gold and silver medallions are becoming a rarity. Semis completely disappears from circulation. Quadrance was produced only under Antonina Pius, and then disappears after the sevens. The minting of the dupondium continues; the ray crown remains the external difference from the ass. Under Commodus, the weight of the coins is reduced. This contributed to the soaring prices at the end of his reign, despite all the measures he took. In the coinage of Commodus, denarii weighing only 2.83-2.85 g are often found. By the end of the 2nd century, the amount of ligature increases to 50%, which leads to a further drop in the rate of denarius, old denarii were 2 times more expensive than new ones. Weight and sample of aurea remained practically unchanged. But its coinage has decreased compared to the previous period.

The composition of the denominations at the last Antonines:

Gold

Aureus - 7.23 g

Quinarius (half aurea) - 3.61 g

Silver

Denarius - 3.08 g

Quinarius (half a denarius) - 1.66 g

Aurichalk

Sestertium - 25.03 g

Dupondium - 12.63 g

Bronze

Ass - 10.31 g

Quadrance - 3.16 g (only with Antonina Pie).

Monetary circulation of the Roman Empire in the III - V centuries

Reform of Caracalla and coinage at the beginning of the 3rd century

In 215, major changes took place in the monetary system. Caracalla changed the weight of the aurea, which was now knocked out in the amount of 50 pieces from the libra. A double aurey began to be produced. In addition, Caracalla began to produce a denarius of double size and greater weight, an antoninian, which differed from the old ones in that the crown of the emperors on it was radial, and the busts of empresses were decorated with a crescent below. The question of the relationship between antoninian and denarius is still open. The reform of Caracalla was carried out in the interests of the army. However, Caracalla did not manage to equalize the rate of silver, as the damage to the coin continued, there was more than half of copper in it. The coinage of the Aureans has decreased significantly. The coins of the first Severs and their opponents had the following weights.

The composition of the denominations in the North:

Gold

Double aurey (only with Caracalla) - 13.19 g

Aurey - 6.84 g

Quinarius (half aurea) - 3.41 g

Silver

Antoninian (only with Caracalla) - 5.16 g

Denarius - 3.11 g

Quinarius (half a denarius) - 1.41 g

Cystophore - 8.63 g

Aurichalk

Sestertium - 23.47 g

Dupondium - 10.79 g

Bronze

Ass - 11.95 g

From the above data, it follows that the weight of the ace exceeds the average statistical weight of the dupondium. This is due to large fluctuations in the weights of coins of these denominations: dupondia from 8.50 to 13.08 g, ass from 9.84 to 14.06 g, as well as the difference in the price of aurichalka and bronze.

The system of monetary circulation in the 20-60s of the III century

The emperors of this time were making attempts to stabilize the system of monetary circulation. So, Alexander Sever and Maximin the Thrace refused to issue the antonians and again give preference to denarius, which continues to lose its quality more and more. Of the copper coins, only three denominations are still issued: sestertius, dupondius and ass. Gordian III resumes the issue of the antoninianians, which soon completely displace the denarius from circulation. By the middle of the 3rd century, the antoninian was transformed into a pure copper coin with a scanty silver content of 2%. It had depreciated so much that such denominations were counted in sacks. The circulation of the copper coin loses its meaning, and its minting ends in the provinces and Rome. Until the end of the 60s, a large bronze coin was minted in the city, the denomination of which is very difficult to determine due to the instability of the weight of the units of the bronze coin. By the time of Gallienus' reign, the Roman monetary system was completely undermined. The usurpers and the emperor beat huge amounts of coins. The deepest crisis is coming. Some emperors tried to overcome it, for example, Postumus, who united the western provinces. A silver coin of improved quality and a large bronze were minted at the August Trevers mint. Claudius II and others tried to organize the issue of a silver coin; Victorinus was intensively minting it. However, these attempts, which were successful in a certain part of the Empire, could not give tangible results on a national scale.

Reforms of Aurelian and Diocletian

The next attempt to stabilize the situation was made by Aurelian. He continues to mint the defective antoninian, on which the dignity marks XX.I and KA are placed, the meaning of which has not been established. Aurelian is trying to improve the quality of the gold coin: by the time of his reign, the composition of the aureus was like this. Gold 1.33%, silver 15.94% and 82.73% copper. However, the crisis in the Empire continued to deepen. Diocletian's monetary reform was carried out in close connection with the tax reform, and was aimed at raising the exchange rate of money. Diocletian returned to circulation the aurei, which were knocked out in the amount of 70, and then 60 pieces from the libra, and the silver coin, which was knocked out in the amount of 96 pieces from the libra. Another silver coin was the milerensium, introduced into circulation by Diocletian. In addition, silver-plated bronze coins were minted at the rate of 30 pieces of libra, weighing 9-13 grams. Diocletian's reform was doomed to failure in advance due to the violation of the ratio between gold, silver and copper. In addition, bad silver coins and a lot of counterfeit coins continued to ply.

Monetary reform of Constantine the Great and the monetary system in the IV-V centuries

Under Constantine I, the economic situation and the system of monetary circulation became more solid. A large role in this was played by the reform carried out in 309-324. In 309, Constantine introduced the golden solidus, first in the east, and in 324 throughout the Empire. The solid had 4 gold scruples and was almost unalloyed. Its high quality has given the coin a high prestige not only within the country, but also abroad. Solid weighed 4.55 g and knocked out 72 pieces per pound. In addition to the solid, its fractions were produced: semis (1/2), triens (1/3) and weighing 1.52 g. Solid becomes the basis of the counting-weight system. New silver denominations appear: heavy milerencia weighing 5.54 g, minted in 60 pieces from a pound; silicva (1/144), half milerencia. Nummies weighing 9-13 g, introduced into circulation under Diocletian, were minted in bronze. By 311, their weight had dropped to 4-5 grams. Until the end of the imperial period, the monetary system created by Constantine did not change significantly. Subsequent emperors introduced some new denominations. During the reign of Valentinian I, the issue of triens increased, and Theodosius I minted them even more. He may have started minting coins of 1.5 solidi. Majorina was introduced with Magnentius. Centenional comes into circulation - a copper coin with an insignificant silver content, weighing 2-3 grams. Honorius began minting coins in denominations of half silicas. By the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century, the composition of the denominations was determined as follows:

Gold

Solid - 4.55 g

1/2 solid - 2.30 g

1/3 solid - 1.50 g

Silver

Severe mirencia - 5.54 g

Mild mirencia - 4.54 g

Silicone - 2.28 g

1/2 silicone - 1.15 g

Bronze

Numium - 9-13 g

Majorin -?

Centenional - 2-3 g.

As a counting unit, the solid was divided into 12 millirencia or 24 silicves (288 nummies). Silikva was 1/6 of a scruple and in Byzantine times was the basis for counting. The ratio between gold and silver was approximately 14: 1. In this form, the monetary system existed until the Byzantine time.

This section is based on materials from the books by M.G. Abramzon "Coins as a means of promoting the official policy of the Roman Empire" and L. Vinnichuk "People, manners and customs of Ancient Greece and Rome."