Roman Coins and Their Values: A Collector’s Guide Through Time

If you’ve ever held a Roman coin — even a simple bronze As — you’ve held history. Not a replica, not a story, but a real object passed through the hands of Roman soldiers, merchants, citizens, maybe even emperors. For collectors, historians, and curious minds alike, Roman coins offer one of the most exciting ways to connect with the ancient world.

In this guide, you’ll find a walk-through of the most common Roman coin types, how to identify them, what makes them valuable, and a general idea of their price range in the current market.

🧱 Why Roman Coins Still Matter

Roman coins weren’t just money. They were miniature billboards. Emperors used them to show their face, promote military victories, and spread propaganda — all wrapped in silver, gold, or bronze.

You’ll find gods, goddesses, war trophies, temples, and portraits that shift in style from Augustus to Constantine and beyond. And the best part? There’s something for every budget.

🪙 Types of Roman Coins (by Metal)

1. Gold Coins

• Aureus (Republic – 4th century CE): Thick, beautiful, nearly pure gold coins used mostly by the elite.

  • Value: $2,000 to $100,000+ depending on emperor and condition.

• Solidus (Late Empire – early Byzantine): Thinner than the aureus but just as respected. Used across the empire for centuries.

  • Value: $500 to $10,000+

2. Silver Coins

• Denarius: The most famous Roman coin. Silver, iconic, widely used from the Republic to around the 3rd century CE.

  • Value: $50 to $2,000+ depending on rarity.

• Antoninianus: Introduced as a “double denarius,” but quickly debased. You’ll recognize the emperor with a radiate crown.

  • Value: $20 to $300+

3. Bronze & Copper Coins

• Sestertius: Big, bold, and artistic. Used from the early Empire onward.

  • Value: $30 to $3,000 depending on detail.

• As: One of the earliest copper coins. Often features Jupiter, Mars, or other Roman gods.

  • Value: $20 to $300+

• Follis: A late Roman/early Byzantine bronze coin — often silver-washed but quickly debased.

  • Value: $15 to $150+

4. Others Worth Noting

• Dupondius: Similar in size to the As, but originally struck in brass.

• Quadrans: A tiny bronze coin — basically pocket change of ancient Rome.

  • Value: $5 to $75

🔎 How to Identify Roman Coins

Here’s what you want to look for:

✅ Obverse (front):

• Usually the emperor or empress

• Crown type (radiate = Antoninianus)

• Titles (e.g., “IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG”)

✅ Reverse (back):

• Depicts gods, scenes, or propaganda

• Victory, soldiers, temples, captives, or deities

• Inscriptions often name what’s being shown

✅ Mint Marks:

• Usually on the reverse, bottom line (exergue)

• Example: “ROM” = Rome, “ANT” = Antioch, “TRP” = Trier

💰 Roman Coin Values Chart (Estimated 2025 Market)

💡 Remember: Condition is everything. A worn denarius may be $50. The same type in near mint? Ten times the value.

🧠 Tips for Collecting Roman Coins

• Start with bronze or silver: A good Denarius or Follis is a great entry point.

• Know your emperor: Short reign = rare = $$$.

• Buy from trusted dealers: CNG, VCoins, MA-Shops, and Heritage are solid.

• Avoid cleaning coins: You’ll destroy history — and the value.

• Store with care: Use soft flips or capsules. Humidity is the enemy.

🔥 Bonus Tip: Build a Theme

Don’t just buy randomly. Some popular themes:

• Coins of the 12 Caesars

• Emperors and their wives

• Military victories (e.g., “VIC AVG” or “VIRTUS”)

• Pagan gods or early Christian symbols

• Provincial issues with Greek inscriptions

Themed collecting keeps your focus and makes your collection more interesting (and valuable).

✍️ Final Thoughts

Roman coins are more than dusty relics — they’re direct connections to the lives, struggles, and triumphs of people from 2,000 years ago. You’re not just collecting metal; you’re collecting stories.

Start with a coin from an emperor you admire, or a god that fascinates you. Hold it. Study it. And you’ll realize — you’re not just learning history…

You’re holding it.