Identifying Roman Denarii: A Beginner's Guide

The Roman denarius was the backbone of Rome’s monetary system for over four centuries. Understanding how to identify these coins opens a window into Roman history.

The Basics

A denarius typically weighs around 3.5-4 grams and is made of silver (though debasement reduced purity over time). Most feature a portrait on the obverse (front) and symbolic imagery on the reverse.

Key Identification Features

1. The Portrait

The obverse portrait is your primary dating tool. Imperial denarii feature the reigning emperor, and portrait styles evolved distinctly:

• Early Empire (27 BC - 96 AD): Realistic, idealized portraits
• Severan Dynasty (193-235 AD): More stylized, with elaborate hairstyles
• Crisis Period (235-284 AD): Cruder, less detailed portraiture

2. The Legend

The inscription around the portrait identifies the ruler. Look for:

• IMP (Imperator) - military commander title
• CAES (Caesar) - dynasty name, later a title
• AVG (Augustus) - imperial title
• COS (Consul) - with a number, helps date the coin

3. Reverse Types

The reverse often commemorates:

• Military victories (captives, trophies)
• Virtues (Pax, Concordia, Fides)
• Divine figures (Roma, various gods)
• Architectural monuments

Common Pitfalls

Cleaning: Never clean ancient coins. Patina adds value and authenticity.

Fakes: Modern forgeries exist. Learn the “feel” of authentic coins and buy from reputable sources.

Wear grading: Condition significantly affects value. Understand the VG-EF-AU scale.

Building Your Eye

Handle as many authentic coins as possible. Museums, coin shows, and reputable dealers offer opportunities to study genuine pieces. Over time, you’ll develop an intuition for what’s right—and what isn’t.