subject: Ancient Roman Coins Collection [print this page] Ancient Roman Coins Collection Ancient Roman Coins Collection
The field of ancient coins is so broad that it would be impossible and frustrating, if not mentally unhealthy, to try to collect them all. Therefore, collectors gravitate to certain areas that have become very popular.
Rome started out as a monarchy (ruled by kings), then became a republic (ruled by representatives of the people), then veered toward a dictatorship (ruled by Caesars) as the Romans created a worldwide empire. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans loved to place images of their rulers on their coins, and they used their coins as propaganda pieces to tout their military victories and record important events. Like the Greeks, the Romans revered their gods and sprinkled their likenesses liberally throughout their coinage.
One of the most famous Roman coins is the denarius, or penny. This silver coin was roughly the diameter of a modern U.S. cent or dime. Because the denarius was issued over hundreds of years, collectors have an opportunity to collect a wide range of rulers and design types. Rome also issued a number of unusual coins, such as the big bronze coin known as an Aes Grave, the golden aureus, and the silver didrachm.
Some of the most popular Roman coins include Brutus's Ides of March denarius, the coins of the 12 Caesars, and the series of JVDEA CAPTA coins that commemorated Emperor Vespasian's victory over the Jews in A.D. 70.
The nice thing about many Ancient Roman coins is their low cost. Small copper coins can be purchased in quantity for under $10 each. A nice silver denarius costs $40 to $75. Even most Roman gold coins are surprisingly affordable considering their popularity.
