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How to Date Roman Coins: A Guide for Enthusiasts and Collectors

How to Date Roman Coins: A Guide for Enthusiasts and Collectors

Roman coins are a fascinating window into the ancient world, offering glimpses into the reigns of emperors, the evolution of Roman society, and even the economic conditions of the time. However, determining the age of a Roman coin can seem daunting, especially for beginners. This guide will provide you with essential tips and techniques to date Roman coins accurately.

  1. Understand the Structure of Roman Coins

Coin of Caligula

Roman coins typically contain the following features, which are key to identifying and dating them:

  • Obverse (Front): This side usually displays the portrait of an emperor, empress, or deity, along with an inscription.
  • Reverse (Back): Often features symbolic imagery, deities, or references to significant events, accompanied by additional text.
  • Inscriptions: These provide valuable information, including the name and titles of the ruler.
  • Mint Marks: Small letters or symbols indicating where the coin was minted.
  1. Identify the Emperor or Authority

Most Roman coins bear the name and likeness of an emperor. By identifying the emperor depicted, you can narrow down the coin’s date range to their reign. Use these steps:

  • Study the Portrait: Compare the portrait on the coin to known images of Roman emperors. Look for distinctive features such as hairstyles, facial expressions, or accessories like laurel wreaths.
  • Read the Inscriptions: The obverse inscription usually includes the emperor’s name and titles. For example, “IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS AVG” refers to Emperor Trajan. Deciphering these abbreviations is crucial for dating.
  1. Decode the Inscriptions

Roman coin inscriptions often use abbreviations. Here are some common examples:

  • IMP: Imperator (commander)
  • CAES: Caesar (title adopted by emperors)
  • AVG: Augustus (venerated one)
  • TR P: Tribunicia Potestas (holder of tribunician power)
  • COS: Consul (indicates the emperor’s consulship)

By understanding these abbreviations and their context, you can deduce specific years within an emperor’s reign when the coin was struck.

  1. Examine the Reverse Imagery

The reverse of a Roman coin is used as propaganda and often commemorates significant events, victories, or public works. These can provide additional clues for dating:

  • Historical Events: Coins might celebrate military victories or the dedication of a new structure, often with corresponding dates.
  • Symbols and Deities: Specific deities or symbols might be linked to certain periods or rulers.
  1. Analyze the Mint Marks

Coin of Galerius from the Treveri mint (Trier, Germany)

From the late third century CE onward, Roman coins often include mint marks that specify the city where they were produced. Starting around the middle of the 3rd century A.D., Roman mints began incorporating mint marks as a way to control actions of mint officials. In addition to the mint, the officina (or workshop) within the mint is often identified. If a problem was found on a particular series of coins (underweight for example), the coins could be traced to the offending mint and the officials held liable.

Mint marks are located on the reverse of the coin at the bottom in an area known as the ‘exergue’. The exergue is visually set off from the rest of the reverse design by a line. In some cases, part of the mint mark (such as the officina or workshop) may be found in the body of the reverse design or even on the obverse field.

A mint mark was (in most cases) formed from three or four elements:

1. A letter P (Pecunia – Latin for money), M (Moneta – Latin for mint), S (Sacra – Latin for sacred) or SM (Sacra Moneta). These letters are a prefix to the mint city, but are often omitted. Mintmarks on gold coins often end with the letters OB (obryzium – refined or pure gold) and mintmarks on silver coins (notably for Valentinian and Valens) can end with the letters PS (pusulatum – pure silver).

2. Mint city abbreviation (usually one to four letters, but up to seven).

3. Officina identification. Latin letter, a Greek letter or letters or a Roman numeral indicating the officina. Some officina symbols are listed in a table below. Sometimes the officina is omitted and sometimes it precedes the mint name abbreviation.

For example:

  • ROMA: Minted in Rome
  • ANT: Minted in Antioch
  • SMH: Minted in Heraclea

These marks not only help identify the mint but can also narrow down the timeframe based on historical records of the mint’s operation.

  1. Consider the Coin’s Material

Roman coins were typically made of gold (aureus), silver (denarius), bronze (sestertius), or copper (as). The metal composition can help date a coin, as certain denominations and materials were more common during specific periods.

  • Republican Period (509–27 BCE): Mostly bronze and silver coins.
  • Imperial Period (27 BCE–456 CE): A mix of gold, silver, and bronze coins.
  1. Use Reference Guides and Catalogs

Numismatic reference books and online databases are invaluable resources for dating Roman coins. Some popular references include:

  • “Roman Imperial Coinage” (RIC): A comprehensive catalog of Roman coins.
  • “The Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins”  – David Van Meter: A Complete Guide to the History, Types and Values of Roman Imperial Coinage

Online Coin Catalogs: Websites like:

  • Wildwinds – offers an extensive catalogue on both Republican and Imperial coinage, along with useful links and literature recommendations. –
  • CoinArchives – a database of coins featured in numismatic auctions.
    It brings together the text, images, and prices realized from catalogs issued by some of the most prestigious coin firms.
  • and OCRE(Online Coins of the Roman Empire) provide images and detailed descriptions.
  1. Seek Expert Verification

If you’re uncertain about a coin’s date, consult a professional numismatist or join a numismatic society. Experts can provide insights based on years of experience and access to specialized resources.

Conclusion

Dating Roman coins is both an art and a science, combining careful observation with historical knowledge. By analyzing the coin’s features, inscriptions, and context, you can unlock the stories they hold and deepen your appreciation for ancient history. Whether you’re a collector or a history enthusiast, each Roman coin is a tangible link to the past, waiting to be discovered.

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Vespasian Denarius
The History of the Roman Denarius: A Symbol of Power and Trade

The History of the Roman Denarius: A Symbol of Power and Trade

The Roman denarius is one of the most iconic coins in history, serving as a vital currency throughout the Roman Republic and Empire. Its evolution reflects the political, economic, and cultural transformations of ancient Rome. Let’s explore the history of the denarius, its significance, and its impact on Roman society.

Origins of the Denarius

  1. Introduction in the 3rd Century BC
    • The denarius was first introduced around 211 BC during the Second Punic War as a response to the need for a standardized currency. Before its introduction, various coins were in circulation, leading to confusion in trade.

The denarius was originally valued at ten assēs, a bronze coin that had been widely used in Rome.

ROME REPUBLIC Crescent series, Rome, 207 BC.
AR Denarius. Reverse: Dioscuri on horseback
  1. Design and Composition
    • The early denarius was made of silver and weighed approximately 4.5 grams. Its design featured a distinctive image of the Roman goddess Roma or various deities, symbolizing Roman values and ideals.
    • The reverse side often showcased significant symbols, such as military victories or important events, reinforcing the power and influence of the state.

                                                        Julius Caesar Elephant Denarius

                                        Julius Caesar “Elephant Denarius

         The elephant represents the might of Caesar and his legions, trampling a snake which represents the enemy.

 

     The Denarius in the Republic

  1. Expansion and Trade
    • As Rome expanded its territory, the denarius became essential for trade and commerce. Its acceptance spread across the Mediterranean, facilitating economic interactions with various cultures.
    • Merchants and traders came to rely on the denarius as a stable currency, further embedding it into daily transactions.
  2. Political Propaganda
    • Coins were often used as tools for political propaganda. During the late Republic, prominent figures, such as Julius Caesar and Pompey, minted their own coins to promote their images and achievements, effectively using the denarius to influence public perception.

The Denarius in the Empire

  1. Widespread Use
    • The denarius became the standard currency throughout the Roman Empire during the Pax Romana (27 BC – AD 180). Its stability contributed to a flourishing economy, allowing for extensive trade networks.
    • Coins were often minted in provincial mints, which adapted designs to local tastes while retaining the essential features of the denarius.
    •                                                      Marcus Aurelius denarius

                                Marcus Aurelius Denarius – last emperor of the Pax Romana

  1. Changes in Composition
    • Over time, the silver content of the denarius began to decline due to economic pressures, including military expenditures and inflation. By the 3rd century AD, emperors started debasing the coin, leading to a mix of silver and base metals.
    • This debasement marked the beginning of a long decline in the denarius’s value, contributing to economic instability in the Empire.

Severus Alexander Debased Silver Denarius

                                   Denarius of Severus Alexander – debased silver

 

The Denarius’s Legacy

  1. Cultural Impact
    • The denarius not only facilitated commerce but also served as a canvas for artistic expression. The designs reflect Roman artistry and the political narratives of the time, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
    • Its name has endured through history; the term “denarius” evolved into various modern currencies, including the Spanish “denario” and the Italian “denaro.”
  2. End of the Denarius
    • By the late 3rd century AD, the denarius had largely fallen out of use as the Empire shifted towards different currency systems, including the antoninianus.
    • The denarius remained a symbol of Rome’s economic prowess and cultural influence, even as it was replaced by new currencies.

                                         Antoninianus of Gordian II

Conclusion

The Roman denarius played a crucial role in the development of the Roman economy and society. From its inception as a standardized currency to its decline amid economic turmoil, the denarius reflects the complexities of Roman history. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of ancient Rome’s legacy in trade, governance, and culture, highlighting the importance of currency in shaping civilizations.

 

We at Ancient Artifacts have many ancient coins for sale at our physical store, on VCoins ( https://www.vcoins.com/ancient_artifacts__treasures), and www://BargainBinAncients.com

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Peridot August Birthstone

Peridot Gems

 

PERIDOT

      AUGUST BIRTHSTONE

 Ancient Artifacts & Treasures, Inc.

Peridot (pronounced per-i-dat) is one of the few stones found in only one color. It is gem-quality Olivine. The name Peridot is derived from the Greek word “peridona” with a meaning that runs along the lines of “giving plenty”. The reason for the deep green color with a slight golden hue is due to fine traces of iron in the magnesium rich silicate. It is mined in many locations around the world and is also found in some meteorites (called pallasites).

The friendly and joyous energy of this stone helps to create and seal friendships; clearing the heart and releasing the ego, which in turns cleanses the mind and soul of jealousy and anger – thus bringing about the sense of peace and quiet amusement which leads to solid friendships.

This August birthstone is said to have the wonderful ability to bring vitality and healing to the entire body. It is said to increase confidence, patience and assertiveness (without aggression) simultaneously.

The green color as well as the stone saturates ones life with growth, healing, renewal, purification, rebirth and growth. It is at is useful as a balancer of the entire glandular system. It assists with tissue regeneration, purifying the body with the strengthening of the blood. This green stone is also said to reduce fever, aid in digestion and calm the nervous system. Peridot helps heal insect bites as well as the liver and it many faceted improves the health of the eyes.

It is said to strengthen the digestive tract, the metabolism and to be beneficial to the skin as a whole. Peridot is said to be helpful in childbirth when placed on the abdomen to assist in strengthening muscle contractions and lessening the pain.

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Coins
Selling Your Coin Collection

How To Sell Your Coin Collection by Gary Eggleston

So, you feel it’s time to sell your long-time Coin Collection, or you might have inherited a collection and you know nothing about coins and you would like to sell them. As with the sale of anything, you would like to make sure you get a fair price. Sounds simple enough, right? In the field of numismatics, when it comes time to sell, offerings for your collection will vary greatly. The following hints will help guide you to getting a reasonable and fair offer. I will talk more on the term “reasonable” a little bit later. Coin Dealers, like any other profession, number in the thousands. From part-time single person businesses to huge companies that buy and sell millions of dollars of coins yearly. And like other all other professions and industries, we have some crooks. By following the general tips in this article, you will be in a better position to realize your collections value. So here we go!

Most importantly, you need to recognize what you have. How come? If you don’t know what you have, how do you know you are getting a fair value for your coins? If you have thousands and thousands of wheat cents, I am not stating you need to inventory them all. As a matter of fact, it might not be worth your time. The probabilities of discovering a key coin are slim at best. But you had better know how many pennies you have. How? Simply weigh them. Wheat pennies come to approximately 148 pennies per pound. The same rule can apply to other common coins such as pre 1965 Roosevelt Dimes and Washington quarters as you will probably accept a bullion price for these coins. For the remainder of your collection, you might prefer to count the number of each piece. Be sure you have a complete list of your collection.

OK, time to contact a dealer? No, not yet. How do you know you are dealing with an honest one? Prior to contacting a dealer, you need to do some homework. Does the dealer belong to any organizations and/or clubs such as ANA  (American Numismatic Association)? How long has s/he been in business? What is their reputation? Check out a few dealers before you make that call. Besides, just because they advertise in a major coin collecting publication, doesn’t make them honest. Most novice collectors wouldn’t know the difference.

Now that you have done some research, it’s time to contact the dealer. This can be done in several ways. You can give them a call or if you are the shy type, simply send them an email. In your email, identify yourself and that you have a collection for sale. Include in the email the inventory you completed. This might come as a shock to many, but some dealers WILL NOT want your collection. A lot of dealers specialize in certain types or series or could just have too many coins in their stock. If your collection is an average collection of common coins, you may be disappointed to find out that many, if not all of the big dealers simply don’t want to bother with you. It’s too time consuming for them to sort the common collections and the margins are simply too small for them to make a decent profit. Do not fret, all is not lost. A lot of smaller dealers will welcome the opportunity to get your collection. Many of these dealers work in mail-order exclusively and might have only an email or a PO Box as contact information. Although they might seem shady, these folks typically are quite respectable. As before, contact the dealer and inquire if they are interested. If they are not, just move on to the next dealer. If they are, ask them for their “buy price” list. Many dealers will publish a list of what they are willing to pay for certain coins.

After some laborious work, you should have a few offers on the table. The offers are probably not anywhere near what you anticipated. Recall what I said above about a “reasonable” offer? Here is the painful truth. Coin Dealers are in business to make money. Sure, many of us chose this profession because we enjoy it, but like everyone else, we still have mortgages, car payments, and college for kids, etc. Many people will search in the latest Coin Prices magazine or other price guide to come up with an idea of what their collection is worth. Magazines such as Coin Prices are actually a list of prices of what you can anticipate to pay a dealer for a particular coin, not what you can expect to get paid. Markups can range from 20-50% or more for smaller denomination coins such as wheat cents. As I mentioned earlier, some dealers just might not desire what you have. Besides, many, if not all dealers, reserve the right to revise the offer on inspection of the collection. If you believe all your Morgan Dollars are BU, but they are really AU, this will make a huge difference in price. Grading is extremely subjective. Also, for larger, more diverse collections, a dealer might spend a significant amount of time reviewing the collection to guarantee a fair price.

So, what to do? Accept the best offer and run? Maybe, maybe not. If this is an inheritance, and you have no emotional attachment, you can simply sell and never look back. If this is your collection of 50 years, well this perchance painful. You can proceed to contact different dealers and wait for a better offer. If you feel your collection is genuinely worth more, you can always consign it for auction. With some of the fees the major auction houses charge, it may not be worth it. You can likewise try your hand at eBay but unless you have a strong feedback profile, many buyers won’t bid on your items. Plus, eBay’s fees could cut into your profits considerably. You can also locate eBay members who will auction off your collection for you for a percentage of the take. Sometimes this works out well and sometimes not.

For now, let’s assume you have a fair offer, and you decide to sell. Incidentally, this should be a written offer sent via the mail or sent via email. Many times, the buyer may be in a different city or state. No buyer will send you a check until they’ve seen the collection. If the collection is large enough (many, many thousands of dollars), some buyers will come to you. If not, your most viable option is to ship the collection to the buyer via mail. Yes, that is right, via the mail. Wait you say that sounds risky.

It can be, but if you take precautions, you will have no problems. First, package the collection up very well. Be sure there are NO LOOSE coins jingling around. The sound of jingling coins is music to a thief’s ear. So be sure to wrap them up well and tight. When shipping via the mail, the USPS is reasonably safe. Normally, you will want to use USPS Priority Mail. Contact your local post office as you can ordinarily get free boxes. Generally, you will prefer to use the Flat Rate options as you can ship up to 70 pounds for under $10.00 (not including insurance) but ask your local postal clerk for options. For your protection, you MUST insure your package and pay for delivery confirmation. Include in your package an itemized list. Most dealers will appreciate this as they will audit the shipment to the list. If all is well, you can anticipate a check in the mail in no time.

In summary, here are the tips:

  1. Know what you have, prepare a comprehensive inventory
  2. Research some dealers before you contact one.
  3. Talk to dealers before sending coins to gage interest
  4. Send your coins. Package them well and insure them
  5. Review the offer
  6. Collect the cash!

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