That dusty box of roman coins, your grandfather collected during his military service overseas might contain more than just interesting souvenirs. Or perhaps you’ve stumbled across some unusual metal discs while metal detecting or exploring old property. Roman coins have been turning up in unexpected places for centuries, and many people don’t realize they’re holding pieces of ancient history worth significant money.
The fascination with roman coins goes beyond their monetary value. These ancient artifacts offer direct connections to emperors, battles, and civilizations that shaped our world. Yet many families dismiss them as “old foreign coins” without understanding their potential worth.
At Eagle Coins Gold and Silver Buying, we help people understand the value of inherited coin collections, including ancient pieces that families often overlook. Here’s what you should know about roman coins before deciding whether that old collection deserves professional evaluation.
Understanding Roman Coins and Their Historical Value
Roman coins dominated commerce for over a millennium, from the Roman Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. These pieces weren’t just currency – they were propaganda tools, historical records, and artistic expressions rolled into precious metal.
According to Wikipedia, Roman currency for most of Roman history consisted of gold, silver, bronze, orichalcum and copper coinage. From its introduction during the Republic, in the third century BC, through Imperial times, Roman currency saw many changes in form, denomination, and composition. A feature was the inflationary debasement and replacement of coins over the centuries. Notable examples of this followed the reforms of Diocletian. This trend continued with Byzantine currency.
Due to the economic power and longevity of the Roman state, Roman currency was widely used throughout western Eurasia and northern Africa from classical times into the Middle Ages. It served as a model for the currencies of the Muslim caliphates and the European states during the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Roman currency names survive today in many countries via the Carolingian monetary system, such as the dinar (from the denarius coin), the British pound (a translation of the Roman libra, a unit of weight), the peso (also a translation of libra), and the words for the general concept of money in the Iberian Romance languages (e.g. Spanish dinero and Portuguese dinheiro). (Source: Wikipedia)
The Roman monetary system included gold aurei for major transactions, silver denarii for everyday commerce, and bronze pieces for smaller purchases. Many of these ancient roman currency pieces survived because Romans often buried hoards during times of crisis, creating time capsules that modern collectors discover centuries later.
What makes roman coins particularly valuable is their historical significance. Unlike modern currency, these pieces often commemorated specific events, honored particular emperors, or celebrated military victories. Each coin tells a story about the person, place, or event it represents.
Famous Figures That Add Value
Some of the most sought-after roman coins feature history’s most recognizable figures. Finding julius caesar on a coin can be exceptionally valuable, as Caesar was among the first living Romans to appear on currency. His assassination in 44 BCE makes coins bearing his likeness historically significant and potentially worth thousands of dollars, depending on condition and rarity.
However, Caesar wasn’t alone. Augustus, Nero, Marcus Aurelius, and dozens of other emperors appeared on various denominations. Even lesser-known rulers can command premium prices if their reigns were brief or their coins are particularly rare.
While searching through old coins, people sometimes discover they actually own earlier Greek pieces. A coin with alexander the great, for example, predates Roman coinage but often gets mixed into collections of ancient currency. Alexander’s coins are extremely valuable, representing some of the earliest examples of royal portraiture on currency.
Difference Roman from Other Ancient Coins?
Not all old European coins are Roman. Many people assume that ancient French coins fall into the same category, but French coinage developed much later. While Gaul was part of the Roman Empire, what we consider ancient French coins typically date from the medieval period onward – still valuable and historically significant, but from a different era entirely.
True roman coins can be identified by Latin inscriptions, specific artistic styles, particular metal compositions, and dating systems that reference Roman leadership or events. Learning these distinctions is crucial for understanding what you might own.
What Makes Roman Coins Valuable?
Several key factors determine whether your roman coins have significant value:
- Historical importance – Coins from pivotal moments like civil wars or major military campaigns command higher prices than routine commemorative pieces
- Rarity – Brief reigns, limited territories, or small production runs can make ordinary-looking pieces quite valuable
- Precious metal content – Silver and gold coins have intrinsic worth based on metal content, establishing minimum values regardless of historical premium
- Condition – Ancient pieces in exceptional condition are extraordinarily rare and command premium prices, though even worn examples featuring important figures can have value
Authentication Red Flags to Watch For!
When examining potential roman coins, be aware of these common warning signs:
- Weight inconsistencies – Authentic coins have specific weight ranges for each type
- Modern patination – Artificial aging often looks uniform rather than natural
- Poor artistic quality – Roman coins featured skilled craftsmanship; crude details suggest reproductions
- Tourist souvenir markings – “Made in Italy” or similar modern stamps
- Perfect condition – Be suspicious of ancient coins that look brand new
Types and Their Typical Values?
| Coin Type | Metal | Typical Value Range | Notes |
| Gold Aurei | Gold | $3,000 – $50,000+ | Most valuable due to precious metal and rarity |
| Silver Denarii | Silver | $100 – $5,000+ | Backbone of Roman commerce, popular with collectors |
| Bronze/Copper | Base metal | $20 – $500+ | Everyday currency, valuable examples depend on rarity |
Values depend heavily on emperor, condition, rarity, and historical significance
Regional Variations and Provincial Issues
The Roman Empire was vast, and different regions produced coins with local characteristics while maintaining Roman standards. These provincial issues often blend Roman imperial themes with local artistic traditions, making them particularly interesting to collectors.
Some provincial roman coins feature local deities, regional symbols, or unique artistic styles while still honoring Roman emperors. These pieces can be especially valuable because they represent specific geographic areas and often had smaller production runs than coins minted in Rome itself.
Getting Professional Evaluation
If you’ve discovered coins that might be roman coins, professional evaluation is essential. The difference between a valuable ancient piece and a modern reproduction can be subtle, and even experienced collectors sometimes need expert opinions.
At Eagle Coins Gold and Silver Buying, we offer free, no obligation evaluations for all types of coins, including ancient pieces. Our appraisers bring over 40 years of experience in appraising and buying valuable items, and understand the complexities of ancient coin authentication and valuation.
We emphasize a no-pressure selling process and take time to explain what we’re seeing. Many customers visit just to understand what they have, and we’re happy to provide information about their pieces regardless of whether they choose to sell.
Making Informed Decisions
Whether you’re dealing with roman coins, other ancient pieces, or mixed collections containing various types of currency, understanding what you own is the first step toward making informed decisions. Some pieces might have significant historical or monetary value, while others might be interesting but not particularly valuable.
Professional evaluation helps distinguish valuable pieces from common ones, authentic items from reproductions, and historically significant coins from routine examples. This information allows you to make educated decisions about what to keep, sell, or research further.
Ready to learn whether your old coins include valuable roman coins or other historically significant pieces? Visit Eagle Coins Gold and Silver Buying for a free evaluation. We’ll help you understand what you have and explain the historical significance of your pieces in plain English.
People Also Ask
What were the Roman coins called?
Roman coins were part of a complex monetary system known as ancient Roman currency, used throughout the Roman Republic and Empire. The main types included:
- Denarius – A silver coin widely circulated and most recognized.
- Aureus – A high-value gold coin used in the Empire.
- Sestertius – A large bronze coin often featuring emperors.
- As – A common bronze coin during the Republic era.
These Roman coins often featured powerful imagery, including emperors, gods, and significant military victories. Some rare issues show Julius Caesar on a coin, marking one of the first times a living person appeared on currency. While not Roman, collectors often compare them with ancient French coins or Greek pieces like a coin with Alexander the Great, prized for their historical importance and artistry.
How much is a Roman coin worth?
The value of a Roman coin can vary widely, typically ranging from just a few dollars to several thousand, depending on factors like rarity, condition, historical significance, and the metal used. Common bronze Roman coins, such as the As or Sestertius, may sell for $10 to $200, while silver Denarius coins are often valued between $50 and $500 or more. The most valuable are gold coins like the Aureus, which can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to over $50,000 depending on the emperor and preservation. Roman coins featuring important figures – such as Julius Caesar on a coin or rare depictions related to historical events or mythologies tend to command higher prices. Although Alexander the Great was not Roman, coins bearing his image are often compared in value and collectability to high end Roman examples. Compared to ancient French coins, Roman currency is generally more diverse and widely studied.
Why were Roman coins found in India?
Roman coins have been found in India due to extensive Indo-Roman trade that flourished between the 1st century BCE and the 4th century CE. During this period, the Roman Empire engaged in active trade with ancient Indian kingdoms, especially along the southern coast, including regions like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Roman merchants imported spices, gemstones, ivory, fine textiles, and perfumes from India, while exporting gold and silver coins in exchange. These Roman coins mainly gold Aurei and silver Denarii served as payment and were often hoarded or used as ornaments in Indian society. Some coins even featured emperors like Julius Caesar, contributing to their uniqueness. Their discovery alongside ancient Indian and even ancient French coins at coastal trade centers reveals India’s deep connections with global trade networks, including those that also circulated coins of Alexander the Great in earlier times. In essence, Roman coins in India are a testament to the rich, interconnected history of ancient Roman currency and global commerce.
What is the most popular Roman coin?
The most popular Roman coin is the Denarius, a silver coin that became the backbone of Roman currency for centuries. Introduced around 211 BCE during the Roman Republic, the Denarius was widely used throughout the Empire and is the coin most commonly found, studied, and collected today. Its popularity stems from several factors: it was minted in large quantities, used in everyday transactions, and often featured detailed portraits of emperors, including iconic figures like Julius Caesar, one of the first to appear on a coin during his lifetime. Some collectors also prize Denarii showing mythological scenes or military victories, adding to their historical and artistic appeal. Compared to other Roman coins like the bronze As, the gold Aureus, or the large Sestertius—the Denarius strikes a balance between availability and value. It’s also commonly found alongside ancient French coins and coins featuring Alexander the Great in global collections, making it a standout piece of ancient Roman currency.
What is the biggest Roman coin?
The Sestertius is considered the largest regular Roman coin in terms of physical size. Struck primarily in bronze or orichalcum (a brass-like alloy), the Sestertius could measure 32–35 mm in diameter and weigh 20–30 grams. It was introduced during the late Roman Republic but became most prominent under the Roman Empire, especially during the reign of emperors like Nero and Trajan. While not the highest in value (that would be the gold Aureus), the Sestertius was ideal for showcasing detailed portraits and elaborate reverse designs. Many feature powerful imagery of Roman emperors, military victories, or important buildings—some even show Julius Caesar on a coin or other legendary rulers. In comparison, smaller coins like the Denarius (silver) and As (bronze) were used more frequently in daily trade, while the Sestertius was more ceremonial or high-value. These Roman coins are still widely collected and often found alongside ancient French coins and coins related to Alexander the Great in museum collections and auctions.