Identify Roman Coins – A Real Collector’s How-To

If you’ve ever stared at an ancient Roman coin and thought, “Who is this guy?” — you’re not alone.
Whether you dug it up with a metal detector, picked it out of a coin shop tray, or inherited it from a relative, Roman coins can look confusing at first.

But don’t worry — identifying them isn’t as hard as it seems. With a few tricks, you’ll start reading these old coins like a pro and unlocking the stories behind them.

🧩 Step 1: Look at the Face

First, check the side with the portrait (usually the obverse). That’s your starting point.

• Is it a man or woman?

• Does he have a beard? (That can help — Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius were famously bearded)

• Is he wearing a laurel wreath, crown, or maybe a helmet?

The image alone gives you a time frame. The laurel crown was common in the early Empire, but later emperors went with diadems or radiate crowns.

🧾 Step 2: Read the Latin – Even Just a Bit

Even if you don’t speak Latin, you can usually spot a name and a few abbreviations.

Here’s what to look for:

• IMP = Imperator (commander)

• CAES = Caesar

• AVG = Augustus (emperor)

• TR P = Tribunician Power (a date clue)

• COS = Consul

You’ll also spot the emperor’s name: NERO, HADRIAN, CONSTANTINE, etc.
That’s your golden ticket.

Example:
“IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS VI PP”
→ This is Emperor Trajan.

💡 Tip: You can search parts of this inscription on WildWinds or CoinArchives to match it.

🔄 Step 3: Flip It Over – The Reverse Tells a Story

The reverse (back side) of a Roman coin isn’t random — it was designed to send a message.

You might see:

• Victory (a winged woman)

• Jupiter or Mars (usually holding a staff or thunderbolt)

• A military trophy or eagle (symbolizing conquest)

• Buildings like arches, temples, or columns

• A seated figure holding a cornucopia or olive branch

The scene helps tell you what the emperor wanted you to know: “I’m a god-favored ruler,” “We just crushed our enemies,” or “The Empire is at peace.”

🪙 Step 4: What’s It Made Of?

The material gives away a lot. Roman coins were made in:

• Gold – Rare. These are called aurei (early) or solidus (later).

• Silver – Common in early imperial coins, called denarius or antoninianus.

• Bronze/Copper – Most coins you’ll find are bronze: as, sestertius, follis, etc.

Weigh the coin and check the size if you can — that’ll help you figure out the denomination.

🏠 Step 5: Look for Mint Marks

Later Roman coins (especially 3rd–4th century) include mint marks at the bottom of the reverse.

Here are a few you might see:

• ROMA = Rome

• ANT = Antioch

• LUGD = Lugdunum (modern Lyon)

• ALE = Alexandria

• SIS = Siscia

These marks can help pinpoint the coin’s origin — and in some cases, increase its value if the mint is rare.

🔍 Step 6: Use Tools to Match It

Once you’ve got a name, a few letters, and the reverse design — you’re ready to search.

Here are some tools to help:

• WildWinds – Search by name or inscription

• Ocre – Great for Imperial coins

• CoinArchives – Auction archive

• Coinoscope App – Snap a photo and get matches instantly

You’ll start to notice: some designs repeat (like Victory walking left), and others are specific to an emperor or campaign.

🏛️ Common Roman Coin Types (Just So You Know)

• Aureus – Gold, early Empire, high value

• Denarius – Silver, common under Republic and early Empire

• Sestertius – Large bronze coin, often with detailed reverse scenes

• Antoninianus – Silvered coin from 3rd century, usually shows emperor with radiate crown

• Follis / Nummus – Bronze coins of the later Empire

👛 How Much Are They Worth?

Roman coins range from $10 junk bin bronzes to $50,000+ aurei.

It all depends on:

• Emperor (Caesar, Augustus, Nero, Hadrian = $$$)

• Rarity (rare reverse types, mints, or short-lived emperors)

• Condition (centering, clarity, wear)

• Material (gold and silver carry weight — literally)

If you’re not sure, check sites like Heritage Auctions or CNG and look for recent sales of similar coins.

⚠️ Final Tip: Don’t Clean It!

Seriously. Unless you know what you’re doing, leave that patina alone. Cleaning an ancient coin can wipe away history — and its value.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Identifying a Roman coin is like solving a small, beautiful puzzle.
Once you know what to look for — a face, a few Latin letters, a symbol or two — you’ll start recognizing emperors, battles, and stories etched in metal.

And the best part? No two are exactly the same.

Start with what you have. Learn as you go. And soon, you’ll be reading ancient money like it’s second nature.