Old Roman Coins: A Collector’s Journey into the Past

Old Roman coins aren’t just old currency—they’re relics of empire, tokens of ambition, and miniature time machines. When you hold one, you don’t just touch metal. You touch the past. For collectors, each coin is a story. For historians, it’s evidence. For newcomers, it’s an irresistible rabbit hole. This guide is written not just to inform, but to invite you into the world of Roman coin collecting.

The Roman Mint: The Birthplace of Money and Messaging

Back then, coins weren’t just for buying bread. They were the empire’s loudspeakers. Cities like Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, and Lugdunum each had mints turning out bronze, silver, and gold coins. But these weren’t mindless machines. Skilled hands engraved each die, and every coin bore the mark—sometimes literally—of its place of birth.

Some old roman coins shout political slogans. Others whisper divine claims. All carry the fingerprint of Roman power.

From Bronze Lumps to Masterpieces: A Quick History

Rome Before Coins

In the earliest days, the Romans used rough bronze lumps known as aes rude for trade. You’d weigh it out—more like bullion than money. It worked, but it wasn’t elegant.

The Silver Shift

Things changed around 211 BCE. The denarius emerged—a small silver coin that packed a big punch. It became the backbone of Roman commerce, paying soldiers, merchants, and tax collectors alike.

A Shiny (and Slippery) Empire

Fast forward to the imperial era: gold aurei, majestic sestertii, and countless variations filled the markets. But trouble brewed. As the empire grew shaky, coins were debased. Less silver, more bronze. Still, even these worn coins tell of chaos, crisis, and shifting power.

Meet the Coins: Types, Metals, and Money Matters

🪙 Internal Link: Discover the Story of the Denarius

Reading a Roman Coin: It Talks If You Listen

Old roman coins weren’t subtle. Emperors wanted you to know who they were, what they’d won, and how close they were to the gods.

• Obverse: Usually the emperor’s face—young, stern, or aged with wisdom.
• Reverse: Temples, gods, military victories. Basically, PR in metal.
• SC: Senatus Consulto—this coin was approved by the Senate.
• Legends: Not just names. Titles, victories, divine claims. (Think: “Caesar Augustus Germanicus Pater Patriae”)

🪙 Internal Link: Roman Coin Inscriptions Explained

Collector Favorites: Coins With Stories

• EID MAR Denarius: Brutus’ not-so-subtle flex after killing Caesar. Two daggers and a freedom cap.
• Aureus of Augustus: Subtle? Not a chance. These coins practically glow with imperial pride.
• Sestertius of Nero: Surprisingly artistic, despite the emperor’s notorious reputation.

📸 Alt Text: “Rare EID MAR Denarius by Brutus, showing daggers and liberty cap.”

🪙 Internal Link: 10 Most Iconic Roman Coins

How to Tell the Age of Your Coin

Every mark counts:

• Portrait = Timeframe of the emperor
• Mint marks = Location clues (e.g., ROMA, ANT, LUGD)
• Titles = Historical breadcrumb trail

🧠 Tip: Compare your coin to reference books like Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) or browse online archives.

Don’t Be Fooled: Spotting Fakes

Even seasoned collectors get stung by fakes. Look out for:

• Bubbles (from casting)
• Weight that feels wrong
• Inscriptions that don’t belong to the era

And when in doubt? Ask a professional or run tests. Trust your gut, but verify with science.

🪙 Internal Link: How to Detect Forged Roman Coins

Coins for the Dead: Burial and Belief

Romans didn’t just bury people. They buried beliefs. A coin in the mouth meant safe passage across the River Styx, paid to Charon, the ferryman of the dead.

Many Roman graves have revealed coins—sometimes pristine, sometimes blackened by time. But always meaningful.

🪙 Internal Link: Coins in Roman Funeral Customs

Want to Buy Roman Coins? Start Here

Where To Begin

• Online platforms: VCoins, MA-Shops
• Local coin fairs, auctions, and trusted dealers
• Yes—NumisDon has curated collections too

How to Judge Value

• Emperor and historical era
• Condition: Sharp strike? Nice patina?
• Material: Silver and gold are sought after
• Rarity and story

Caring for Your Coins

• Don’t clean aggressively! Use distilled water if needed
• Store in archival flips or display boxes
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and harsh chemicals

🛒 Internal Link: Explore Ancient Coins for Sale

Final Words From a Fellow Collector

You never forget your first Roman coin. Mine was a bronze as with a faint portrait of Trajan. Worn, yes—but thrilling.

Old roman coins aren’t just for museums. They’re for hands, hearts, and homes. Whether you’re chasing an EID MAR or marveling at an old sestertius, remember—you’re not collecting coins. You’re collecting moments in time.

🪙 Want to start or grow your collection? Visit Roman Coins for Sale.