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27 BC - 220 AD
Roman coins from Augustus to the early 200s: asses and a quadrans of Augustus, sestertii of Trajan and the deified Faustina, denarii of Antoninus Pius, and provincial tetradrachms from Antioch. Each coin has its own protocol number and is guaranteed genuine.
About 27 BC - 220 AD
Augustus and the Imperial coin system
When Octavian became Augustus in 27 BC, he organised a coinage that lasted for more than two centuries: the gold aureus, the silver denarius and a range of base-metal coins – the large sestertius and the dupondius in brass (orichalcum), the as in copper and the small quadrans, a quarter of an as. One aureus was worth 25 denarii, one denarius four sestertii and one sestertius four asses. Bronze coins struck in Rome usually carry the letters S C, senatus consulto, “by decree of the Senate”.
This category covers the period from Augustus to the beginning of the 200s. Among the coins are an as of Augustus from Asia Minor with the misspelled legend CAISAR, a quadrans from Rome, and an as struck under Tiberius in honour of the deified Augustus.
Portraits of emperors and empresses
Imperial coins were also a means of communication. The obverse carried the portrait and titles of the emperor or a member of his family, the reverse a personification, a deity or a political message. When Faustina the Elder, wife of Antoninus Pius, died early in his reign, she was deified, and a large series of coins with the legend DIVA FAVSTINA was struck in her memory. Sestertii and denarii from this series, together with the large sestertii of Trajan, show the fine portraiture of the 2nd century.
Provincial coins from the East
In the eastern provinces, Greek-style coinage continued under Roman rule. Antioch in Syria struck silver tetradrachms with the emperor’s portrait and Greek legends; here you find examples of Vespasian, Septimius Severus and Elagabalus. A tridrachm of Trajan from Bostra, capital of the new province of Arabia, shows a bundle of grain ears.
Metal and what collectors look for
The denarius began in nearly pure silver, but from Nero’s reform around 64 AD its weight and silver content were reduced, and the debasement accelerated under Septimius Severus. With sestertii, collectors look above all for a clear portrait, a full legend and an attractive, stable patina; with denarii, a sharp strike and good metal. Catalogue references such as RIC, BMC and Sear are given where possible, as is provenance when known, for example an old Jacques Schulman collector’s envelope. The story continues under 221 – 313 AD, and the earlier coins under Roman republican.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a denarius and a sestertius?
The denarius is a small silver coin, while the sestertius is a large brass coin worth a quarter of a denarius. Because of its size, often more than 20 grams, the sestertius gave room for detailed portraits and reverse scenes, and it is popular with collectors for that reason.
What does DIVA or DIVVS on a Roman coin mean?
It marks a member of the imperial family who has been officially deified, usually after death. Such coins were struck in their memory. Both the deified Augustus and the deified Faustina the Elder appear in this category.
What are Roman provincial coins?
They are coins struck in the provinces, often with Greek legends and local denominations such as the tetradrachm. They mainly circulated in their own region and are an important part of the coinage of the Roman Empire.
Are the items genuine?
Yes. Every item is researched and described as accurately as possible, and Denarius guarantees that everything sold is genuine and as described.
What is the protocol number?
Every item gets its own number when it is catalogued. The number is shown on the product page, so you always know exactly which example it is.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide. Shipping method and price are shown at checkout before you pay.
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Articles about 27 BC - 220 AD
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