Main Types of Roman Coins – A Collector’s Guide
When you first get into Roman coins, all the different sizes and metals can be a bit overwhelming. You’ll hear terms like denarius, aureus, or sestertius thrown around in auction listings, and at first, they just sound like fancy Latin words. But once you understand the basics, the puzzle pieces start to fit together.
Over the centuries, Rome produced an impressive range of coins — some tiny enough to lose between your fingers, others heavy enough to feel like you’ve just picked up a medal. Here’s a tour through the main types you’ll come across as a collector.
The Denarius
If Roman coins had a “celebrity,” it would be the silver denarius. First introduced around 211 BC, the denarius became the backbone of Roman currency for centuries. It was used for everyday trade, military pay, and even political bribery.
Why collectors love it: The portraits are usually well-detailed, the silver ages beautifully, and there’s a huge variety of emperors and designs. Some denarii are affordable starter pieces; others can cost a small fortune depending on rarity.
The Aureus
The aureus was Rome’s gold showpiece. Small in size (usually around 7–8 grams), but high in value, it was worth about 25 denarii. Aurei were often used for major transactions, gifts, or to pay high-ranking officials.
Why collectors love it: It’s gold — enough said. Aurei often feature the finest engraving work, with portraits that look almost sculpted. Finding one in good condition is a thrill, though you’ll need a bigger budget for this level of collecting.
The Sestertius
A big, impressive bronze coin, the sestertius could be more than 30mm across. It was valued at a quarter of a denarius and often used for larger everyday purchases. Because of its size, engravers had more space for detailed reverse scenes — triumphal arches, deities, and even full city views.
Why collectors love it: The large surface means more artistry, and when you find one with a nice patina, it’s like holding a piece of ancient sculpture in your palm.
The As and Dupondius
These mid-sized bronze coins were the workhorses of Roman commerce. The as was usually copper, while the dupondius had a slightly higher value and was often made from a brass-like alloy.
Why collectors love them: They’re often inexpensive, making them great starter coins. They also show how Rome used different metals and sizes to help people tell coins apart before modern numbering systems.
The Antoninianus
Introduced in the 3rd century AD, the antoninianus was meant to be worth two denarii, though it didn’t contain double the silver. Over time, silver content dropped until they were mostly bronze with a thin wash of silver.
Why collectors love it: It’s a perfect example of Rome’s economic ups and downs. Some have sharp, detailed portraits, while others show the strain of an empire stretching its resources.
Smaller Denominations
You’ll also come across tiny coins like the quadrans and semis. These were used for the smallest everyday purchases — the ancient equivalent of loose change in your pocket.
Why collectors love them: They’re fun to collect in groups, and they often have quirky designs you won’t see on the larger coins.
A Final Tip for New Collectors
When you’re starting out, focus on one or two types and get to know them well. It’s tempting to grab every coin that looks interesting, but understanding the history, weights, and designs of just a few types will make you a sharper collector.
And remember — each coin type you hold was part of a much bigger story: the rise, peak, and eventual decline of the Roman Empire.
Next step: If you want to know what these coins are worth in today’s market, head over to our Roman Coin Values guide ».
Or, if you’re holding a mystery coin and want to identify it, check out our Identifying Roman Coins guide ».