Roman Imperial Coinage: Complete Catalog

From Augustus (27 BC) to Romulus Augustulus (AD 476) – The Empire in Coinage

54 Emperors & Claimants 15+ Major Mints 500+ Years of History Principate to Dominate
🏛️

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE: SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The longest-running state currency system in the ancient Mediterranean

From Principate to Dominate: 500 Years of Evolution

Roman imperial coinage evolved dramatically between Augustus (27 BC) and Romulus Augustulus (AD 476). The system transitioned from Republican-style denominations to imperial propaganda, survived economic crises, and was fundamentally reformed multiple times.

👑

Early Principate (27 BC – AD 284)

Augustus → Carinus
  • Denominations: Aureus (gold), Denarius (silver), Sestertius/As (bronze)
  • Key Feature: Imperial portraits, Republican façade
  • Mints: Primarily Rome, expanding to Lugdunum, Antioch
  • Silver Standard: Denarius at ~95% silver initially
🔥

Crisis & Transition (AD 235 – 284)

Maximinus Thrax → Carinus
  • Dominant Coin: Antoninianus (radiate coin)
  • Key Feature: Rapid silver debasement, military themes
  • Mints: Network expands across empire
  • Crisis: Hyperinflation, reduced weights
⚖️

Dominate Reforms (AD 284 – 476)

Diocletian → Romulus Augustulus
  • New System: Solidus (gold), various bronzes
  • Key Feature: Standardized mintmarks, Christian symbols
  • Mints: Extensive network with clear markings
  • Economy: Gold-centered, bronze for daily use

The Silver Debasement Story

27 BC
Augustus Reform

Denarius: ~95% silver, 3.9g

AD 64
Nero's Reduction

Denarius: ~90% silver, 3.4g

AD 215
Caracalla's Antoninianus

~50% silver, 5.1g (double denarius)

AD 270
Crisis Peak

Antoninianus: ~2% silver, 3.5g

AD 294
Diocletian Reform

New silver denominations

💡
Collector's Reality Check

Early Imperial: Focus on portrait quality, reverse types, silver content

Crisis Period: Expect billon (low silver), radiates common

Late Empire: Mintmarks critical, Christian symbols appear

Key References: RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage), OCRE online, Wildwinds

🏭

IMPERIAL MINTS & MARKINGS

From Rome to Constantinople: The mint network across empire

The Expansion of Imperial Minting

As the empire grew and faced crises, minting operations decentralized from Rome to strategic locations across the empire, each developing distinctive mintmarks.

Early Imperial Mints (27 BC – AD 200)

R
Rome

Period: Principal mint throughout empire

Markings: Often no mark, later R, ROM, RM

Output: Highest quality, official issues

LUG
Lugdunum (Lyon)

Period: 15 BC – 4th century AD

Markings: L, LVG, LVGD

Specialty: Early imperial gold, Julio-Claudian

ANT
Antioch

Period: Major from Severans onward

Markings: ANT, AN, SMANT

Output: Eastern issues, Greek legends

Crisis & Tetrarchy Mints (3rd–4th Century)

TR
Trier

Period: 3rd–5th century AD

Markings: TR, TRE, TRP, PTRA

Specialty: Constantinian dynasty

SIS
Siscia

Period: 3rd–4th century AD

Markings: SIS, SISC, SISCPS

Location: Danube frontier

AQ
Aquileia

Period: 3rd–4th century AD

Markings: AQ, AQVIL, SMAQ

Output: Tetrarchic bronzes

Late Empire Mints (4th–5th Century)

CON
Constantinople

Period: 330 AD onward

Markings: CON, CONS, CONSP, CONOB

Specialty: Gold solidi, later capital

ARL
Arelate (Arles)

Period: 4th–5th century AD

Markings: AR, ARL, CONAR, PARL

Role: Western imperial mint

MD
Mediolanum (Milan)

Period: 3rd–5th century AD

Markings: MD, MDOB, MDPS

Output: Western imperial issues

Understanding Late Roman Mintmarks

SMANT

S = Sacra (Sacred)

M = Moneta (Mint)

ANT = Antioch

"Sacred Mint of Antioch"

CONOB

CON = Constantinople

OB = Obryzum (Pure gold)

"Constantinople pure gold"

TRP

TR = Trier

P = Prima (First workshop)

"Trier, first workshop"

Mint Identification Tips

📅
Date by Mint Activity

Some mints active only in specific periods (e.g., Lugdunum early imperial, Constantinople after 330 AD)

🎨
Style Characteristics

Mints had distinctive portrait styles and fabric (e.g., Rome vs Antioch portrait rendering)

🔍
Look in Fields

Mintmarks typically in reverse field or exergue (bottom section under design)

💰

METALS, DENOMINATIONS & WEIGHTS

The evolving monetary system across five centuries

The Three-System Evolution

Roman imperial coinage progressed through three major systems: Early Imperial (Augustan), Crisis (Antoninianus), and Late Empire (Solidus).

👑

Early Imperial System (27 BC – AD 215)

Augustus → Caracalla
Aureus
= 25 Denarii

Weight: 7.8–8.0g (Augustus)

Purity: ~99% gold

Function: Elite payments, gifts

Survival: Rare, expensive today

Denarius
= 4 Sestertii

Weight: 3.9g → 3.2g (debasement)

Purity: 95% → 50% silver

Function: Soldier pay, trade

Collector: Most collected type

Sestertius
= 4 Asses

Weight: 25–28g (orichalcum)

Size: 30–35mm diameter

Function: Everyday transactions

Feature: Detailed historical reverses

As/Dupondius
Base bronze

Weight: 10–15g

Size: 25–28mm diameter

Function: Small change

Note: Often poorly preserved

🔥

Crisis System (AD 215 – 294)

Caracalla → Diocletian
Antoninianus
"Double Denarius"

Identification: Radiate crown

Weight: 5.1g → 3.5g (collapse)

Purity: 50% → 2% silver (billon)

Dominance: Main coin 3rd century

Aureus
Debased gold

Weight: Variable, often reduced

Output: Less frequent in crisis

Quality: Often crude striking

Rarity: Scarce for many rulers

Key Crisis Feature: Silver washed over copper core (billon), often poor preservation with corroded cores

⚖️

Late Imperial System (AD 294 – 476)

Diocletian → Romulus Augustulus
Solidus
New gold standard

Weight: 4.5g (24 karat)

Stability: Maintained weight for centuries

Function: International trade, taxes

Legacy: Basis for Byzantine coinage

Siliqua/Argenteus
Small silver

Weight: ~2–3g

Purity: High silver content

Output: Episodic, less common

Survival: Often clipped

Nummus/Follis
Bronze coinage

Size Classes: AE1–AE4 system

Markings: Mintmarks standard

Evolution: Shrinks over time

Collector: Affordable entry point

Centenionalis
Small bronze

Size: ~17–19mm

Common Type: GLORIA EXERCITVS

Output: Massive quantities

Challenge: Often worn smooth

Quick Weight Reference Guide

Denomination Period Typical Weight Key Features Collector Note
Denarius Augustus – Severus Alexander 3.9g → 3.2g Laureate head, silver Most collected imperial coin
Antoninianus Caracalla – Diocletian 5.1g → 3.5g Radiate crown, billon Low silver, often corroded
Sestertius Augustus – Gordian III 25–28g Large bronze, orichalcum Detailed reverses, often holed
Solidus Constantine – Romulus Augustulus 4.45–4.55g Gold, Christian symbols High value, well preserved
Follis Diocletian – 5th century 8–11g (shrinking) Bronze, mintmarks Beginner friendly, common

Material Identification Tips

🥇
Gold (AV)

Yellow color, doesn't corrode, often mint state, heavy for size

🥈
Silver (AR)

White metal, can tone, check edge for copper core (billon)

🥉
Orichalcum (AE)

Brassy yellow, for sestertii/dupondii, often corroded green

⚫
Copper/Bronze

Red/brown, corrodes heavily, often pitted, lightweight

📜

LEGENDS & INSCRIPTIONS

Reading imperial propaganda and titles across centuries

The Language of Imperial Power

Roman coin legends evolved from emphasizing Republican continuity to proclaiming absolute imperial power, with Christian elements emerging in late empire.

Early Imperial (27 BC – 2nd Century)

IMP CAESAR AVGVSTVS

IMP = Imperator (military title)

CAESAR = Family name, becomes title

AVGVSTVS = "Revered One" (title)

Augustus' standard title format

TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

DIVI AVG F = Son of Divine Augustus

TI = Tiberius abbreviation

Format: Emphasizes dynastic legitimacy

Tiberius' typical legend

High Empire (2nd–3rd Century)

IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG

M AVR = Marcus Aurelius

ANTONINVS = Antonine dynasty name

Standardized: IMP CAES [name] AVG

Typical 2nd century format

IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

IMP C = Imperator Caesar

P F = Pius Felix (Dutiful and Fortunate)

Probus: 3rd century military emperor

Crisis period longer titles

Late Empire (4th–5th Century)

DN CONSTANTINVS PF AVG

DN = Dominus Noster (Our Lord)

PF = Pius Felix

AVG = Augustus

Christian era title format

DN ARCADIVS PF AVG

Arcadius: Eastern emperor 395–408

Standardized: DN [name] PF AVG

Late format: Shorter, more formulaic

Typical 5th century legend

Common Abbreviations Master List

Titles & Honors
IMP Imperator (military commander)
CAES Caesar (heir, junior emperor)
AVG Augustus (senior emperor)
DN Dominus Noster (Our Lord)
PF Pius Felix (Dutiful and Fortunate)
Offices & Powers
TR P Tribunicia Potestas (Tribunician power)
COS Consul (Consulship)
PM Pontifex Maximus (Chief priest)
PP Pater Patriae (Father of the country)
GERM Germanicus (German victor)
Divine & Family
DIVI F Son of the deified [emperor]
DIVVS Divine (posthumous deification)
FIL Filius (son)
NEP Nepos (grandson)
AVGG Two Augusti (plural)

Practical Legend Reading Tips

🔍
Start with AVG or CAES

These appear on 95% of imperial coins. Find them first, then read outward.

📏
Read Left-to-Right

Roman legends read clockwise from top left. But often start at bottom due to spacing.

🎯
Look for Name Patterns

Names often abbreviated: ANTONINVS (ANTON), CONSTANTINVS (CONST), VALENTINIANVS (VALENT)

💡
Use Wildwinds/OCRE

Enter partial legend to search databases. Even "IMP CAES" + emperor name works.

Common Reverse Legend Themes

Military & Victory
VICTORIA AVG
Victory of the emperor
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
Valor of the army
FIDES MILITVM
Loyalty of the soldiers
Imperial Virtues
PAX AVGVSTI
Peace of the emperor
CONCORDIA AVGG
Harmony of the emperors
LIBERTAS PVBLICA
Public liberty
Late Empire Christian
SPES REIPVBLICAE
Hope of the state
GLORIA ROMANORVM
Glory of the Romans
VOTIS MVLTIS XXXX
Vows for many years
👑

JULIO-CLAUDIAN DYNASTY (27 BC – AD 68)

Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero – Founding imperial coinage

The First Imperial Family

The Julio-Claudians established the patterns of imperial coinage: portrait obverses, dynastic propaganda, and systematic denominations.

👑

Augustus

27 BC – AD 14 First Emperor, Founder
Type A: DIVVS IVLIVS

Obv: CAESAR AVGVSTVS

Rev: DIVVS IVLIVS / comet

Mint: R/LUG

Material: AR (Silver Denarius)

Significance: Julius Caesar deification propaganda

Weight: 3.6–3.9g

Strikes: Common

Type B: Gaius & Lucius Caesars

Obv: CAESAR AVGVSTVS

Rev: C·L·CAESARES / shields

Mint: R

Material: AR (Denarius)

Significance: Dynastic succession projection

Weight: 3.6–3.9g

Strikes: Very Common

Collector Notes:
  • Portrait varies from young to elderly
  • Lugdunum mint has distinctive style
  • Gold aurei rare and expensive
  • Early imperial bronzes often worn
🧔

Tiberius

AD 14 – 37 Conservative Ruler
Type A: "Tribute Penny"

Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

Rev: PONTIF MAXIM

Mint: R

Material: AR (Denarius)

Significance: Famous "Render unto Caesar" coin

Weight: 3.6–3.9g

Strikes: Very Common

Collector Notes:
  • Limited reverse types
  • Often excellent silver quality
  • Portraits vary little over reign
  • Affordable entry to early emperors
👤

Caligula (Gaius)

AD 37 – 41 Controversial Emperor
Type A: Family Portraits

Obv: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS

Rev: AGRIPPINA / portrait

Mint: R

Material: AE (Sestertius)

Significance: Family propaganda on bronze

Weight: 20–28g

Strikes: Scarce

Collector Notes:
  • Short reign = fewer coins
  • Sestertii more common than denarii
  • Family types prized by collectors
  • Often expensive for condition
👓

Claudius

AD 41 – 54 Expansionist Ruler
Type A: Britannia Capta

Obv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG

Rev: DE BRITANN on arch

Mint: R

Material: AE (As)

Significance: British conquest celebration

Weight: 10–12g

Strikes: Common

Collector Notes:
  • British types popular with UK collectors
  • Portraits show distinctive features
  • Bronzes often available
  • Provincial issues extensive
🎭

Nero

AD 54 – 68 Last Julio-Claudian
Type A: Post-Reform Denarius

Obv: NERO CAESAR AVG IMP

Rev: PAX

Mint: R

Material: AR (Denarius)

Significance: AD 64 reform reduces weight

Weight: 3.1–3.4g

Strikes: Very Common

Type B: Orichalcum Sestertius

Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM

Rev: Various types

Mint: R

Material: AE (Orichalcum)

Significance: Large bronze with artistic reverses

Weight: 25–28g

Strikes: Common

Collector Notes:
  • Portrait evolves dramatically
  • Early vs late style distinct
  • Gold aurei especially rare
  • Antioch mint expands output

Julio-Claudian Collecting Strategy

🎯
Start with Denarii

Most affordable silver coins. Tiberius denarii common, Nero post-reform plentiful.

💰
Budget for Bronze

Sestertii of Caligula, Claudius, Nero often $200–$500 for nice examples.

🔍
Watch Portrait Style

Augustus portraits vary by age/mint. Nero has dramatic style evolution.

📚
Key Reference: RIC I

Roman Imperial Coinage Volume I covers Augustus–Vitellius.

🏺

COLLECTING ROMAN IMPERIAL COINS

Practical strategies for building your collection

From Beginner to Advanced: A Roadmap

Roman imperial coins offer endless collecting possibilities, from chronological sets to thematic collections.

🥉

Beginner Path: Late Roman Bronzes

  • Cost: $20–$50 per coin
  • Focus: Constantine & sons, clear mintmarks
  • Goal: Learn attribution basics
  • Example: GLORIA EXERCITVS types
🥈

Intermediate Path: Denarii Collection

  • Cost: $100–$300 per coin
  • Focus: "Twelve Caesars" or "Five Good Emperors"
  • Goal: Build emperor portrait set
  • Example: Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius denarii
🥇

Advanced Path: Gold & Rare Types

  • Cost: $500–$5,000+ per coin
  • Focus: Aurei, rare reverses, fine art
  • Goal: Museum-quality examples
  • Example: Augustus aureus, Nero gold

Themed Collection Ideas

"Imperial Women"

Livia, Agrippina, Faustina, Julia Domna on coins

"Military Campaigns"

Judaea Capta, Dacian Wars, British conquest

"Architectural Types"

Buildings, temples, arches on reverses

"Christian Transition"

Constantine to Theodosius, pagan to Christian

Essential Collector Tools

📚
Reference Books

RIC series, Sear Roman Coins, Wildwinds online

⚖️
Digital Scale

0.01g precision for authentication

🔍
Loupe/Microscope

10x–30x magnification for details

💻
Online Databases

OCRE, CoinArchives, ACSearch

💎
The NumisDon Collector Philosophy

Buy quality over quantity: One VF denarius teaches more than ten poor coins.

Learn attribution: Don't just buy "a Roman coin" – know exactly what you have.

Document everything: Keep records of purchases, attributions, references.

Enjoy the journey: Each coin tells multiple stories – historical, artistic, economic.

Start Your Roman Imperial Collection

Browse our selection of authenticated Roman imperial coins, from affordable bronzes to museum-quality gold.

Shop Roman Coins Identify Your Coin Collecting Guide