Roman Coin Denominations

The most common coins are the:

Denarius - standard silver coin of the Empire; began around 187 B.C.E. and continued in use until about 296 C.E.; began to be debased around Nero's reign, and around 215 C.E. was approximately 40% silver.

Dupondius - brass coin, often undistinguishable from the As, however, the Dupondius usually has a yellower color; minted from the Imperial period until the time of Trajan Decius (249-251 C.E.)

As - copper/brass coin with a reddish color; in later days of the Empire can be distinguished by the bare or laureated head of the emperor as opposed the radiate head.

Sestertius - large coin of the Empire known as the grand bronze; originally a silver coin in the early Republic, worth 1/4 the Denarius; this coin allowed for great detail due to its large size.

Antoninianus - introduced by Emperor Caracalla (211-217 C.E.) as the new silver standard coin; distinguished from the Denarius by the radiated head of the emperor on the obverse; it suffered debasement as well, becoming a copper coin washed in silver.

Follis - introduced by Diocletion (284-304 C.E.); large coin with a silver wash.

Other common denominations:

Centenionalis - bronze coin introduced during reign of Constantine (308-337 C.E.); silver washed.

Quardrans - copper, 4th part of the As.

Quinarius - silver coin; 1/2 the weight of the Denarius.

Semis - bronze coin, issued as various types and sizes throughout the Empire.

Semissis - half Aureus or Solidus.

Solidus - gold coin issued by Constantine.

Aureus - gold coin, from Julius Caesar to Constantine; weight decreased and was replaced by Solidus.

Siliqua - silver coin first issued by Constantine; 1/24 of a Solidus.

Bronze coin value breakdown: