The "denarius" (plural: denarii) was a silver coin first struck about 211 BC during the fiscal crisis Rome suffered as a result of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). Previously Rome had struck silver didrachms, most recently in the form of the famous "quadrigatus" (so-called because the reverse motif was a quadriga (four-horse chariot)). Ancient Wages and Prices Ancient Wages and Prices The Purchasing Power of Ancient Coins Also see Doug Smith 's Buying Power of Ancient Coins When examining an ancient coin, it is human nature to ponder what an ancient man or woman could have purchased with that coin.

Understanding the Context

Unfortunately, that not an easy question to answer. The Roman denarius, for example, was used for centuries. The purchasing ... Strabo wrote, "The Romans possess Lugdunum, founded below a ridge at the confluence of the Arar and the Rhone.

Key Insights

It is the most populous of all the other cities except Narbo; for it is a center of commerce, and the Roman emperors strike their silver and gold coinage there." (4.3.2) SH28908. Silver denarius, RIC I 167a, BMCRE I 451, RSC I 137, BnF I 1373, Hunter I 197, SRCV I 1610, , superb high ... Tribute penny The Tribute Penny of the Bible See genuine ancient Tribute Pennies for sale in the Forum Ancient Coins shop. Discuss ancient Greek coins on the Classical Numismatic Discussion Jesus, referring to a denarius (translated as a "penny" in later English translations of the text, see below) asked, "Whose is this image and superscription?" When answered that the likeness was Caesar, He ... Sestertius (quasi sesquitertius), the sesterce, a coin in value two asses and a half.

Final Thoughts

It was, therefore, one fourth part of the denarius, and the half of the quinarius, and, when the value of the Roman coinage underwent a change, it shared with them a common fate. It was the smallest coin of the Roman silver mint (exclusive of the "pretended libella ", which was the tenth part of a denarius ... A denarius went a long way back then, if you didn't travel far, tolerated a limited diet, or need fancy weapons, got your future servants from the exposed infants on the trash heap, and were content with a jug of wine as opposed to a barrel, and just bet on the chariot races or the contestants in the arena in moderation. Thanks in advance. Bruce Double denarius Double Denarius (Antoninianus) The antoninianus is a Roman double denarius coin denomination (pl. antoniniani) struck from 215 to 293 A.D.

(or 274 if you consider the later issues of the Roman Empire, sometimes called aurelianiani, a new denomination). On the obverse of the Roman antoninianus the emperor is depicted wearing a radiate crown, caesars are bare-headed, and ... What I Like About Ancient Coins - A silver denarius of the emperor Septimius Severus with a reverse showing Dea Caelestis.