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Ancient Roman Coins

Shop All Ancient Roman Coins

This category includes coins classified as Roman Republican, Roman Imperatorial, Roman Imperial and Roman Provincial coins, from anonymous coinage from the 4th century BC, all through the end of the Roman Empire. Find the Roman coin you're looking for from a trusted coin dealer. Browse the largest inventory of Roman coins.

 

Ancient Roman Coins for Sale

Collecting coins from Ancient Rome? Here at Bullion Shark, we provide a wide selection of Roman coins for sale. All of our rare coins are expert-certified, so you can trust their authenticity and quality. Roman Coins are authentic ancient coins from the Roman Empire that are available for collectors and enthusiasts to purchase. These coins, made from gold, silver, or bronze, often feature portraits of Roman emperors and symbols of the empire’s vast history. They are highly sought after for their historical value, rarity, and craftsmanship, offering a tangible link to ancient Rome.  Continue reading to learn more about roman coins value.

Roman coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and unique designs. Many feature the image of the ruling emperor at the time they were minted, making them valuable pieces of history. Prices and quality of Roman coins vary, providing options for collectors at all levels. At Bullion Shark Rare Coin Dealer, all Ancient Roman coins are certified and graded by NGC Ancients, ensuring authenticity and quality.

Roman Coins are authentic ancient coins from the Roman Empire that are available for collectors and enthusiasts to purchase. These coins, made from gold, silver, or bronze, often feature portraits of Roman emperors and symbols of the empire’s vast history. They are highly sought after for their historical value, rarity, and craftsmanship, offering a tangible link to ancient Rome.

Buying Roman Coins Online

Buying Roman coins is exciting for collectors interested in ancient history and numismatics. The market for ancient Roman coins has grown significantly, offering a range of options from affordable pieces to rare artifacts. Collectors often seek ancient Roman gold coins like the aureus for their high intrinsic value, while silver coins such as the denarius are also highly sought after for their historical significance. However, the market does have its fair share of forgeries, making it crucial to purchase from reputable dealers who adhere to strict authentication processes. Organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) offer grading and authentication services that enhance buyer confidence.

When purchasing Roman coins, it’s essential to find reputable dealers, whether online or in person, and to consider certified and graded coins for assurance of quality and authenticity. Rare Roman coins are particularly appealing due to their historical context and potential for appreciation in value. By conducting thorough research, setting a budget, and connecting with other collectors through numismatic clubs or online communities, buyers can navigate the ancient Roman coin market effectively. This combination of passion for history and careful investment can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful collection.

Ancient Rare Coins From Rome: Bronze Coins, Silver Coins, and More

Our selection of Ancient Roman coins includes silver, gold, and bronze coins. All of these pieces have historical significance and are a must-have for any collector.

Many of these ancient coins feature the faces of Roman emperors. Some pieces bear the visage of leaders like Julius Caesar, Nero, Constantine the Great, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a specific gold coin or just browsing for a piece from the Roman Republic, we’re sure you can find something that stands out to you. 

Shop Authentic Roman Empire Coins Online

When you source coins from Bullion Shark, you can rest assured that these pieces are of the highest quality.

We use sophisticated authentication methods to guarantee the authenticity of each coin in our collection. Ancient currency, including Greek coins, those from the Byzantine Empire, and biblical coins, will round out any collection. 

Ancient Coins and Roman Currency History

Roman coins were an essential part of the vast Roman Empire’s economy, providing the foundation for commerce and trade across its territories. Roman coinage evolved over time and was minted in several materials, reflecting the wealth and structure of the society. These coins often carried the images of emperors and symbols of the state, becoming not just a medium of exchange but also a tool for political propaganda. The primary types of Roman coins were made from gold, silver, and bronze, each serving different purposes and holding varying levels of value.

1. Gold Coins (Aurei)

2. Silver Coins (Denarii)

3. Bronze Coins (As, Sestertius)

4. Other Notable Roman Coins

  • Sestertius: Initially a small silver coin, the sestertius later became a large bronze coin, often used for public transactions and larger purchases. It was favored for its durable, impressive size, and detailed imagery.

  • Dupondius: Another bronze coin, worth half a sestertius, the dupondius helped with everyday trade.

  • Quadrans: A smaller bronze coin worth a quarter of an as, often used for minor exchanges, such as buying food.

Coinage and Trade

Roman coins facilitated extensive trade across the empire. Their widespread acceptance meant that they could be found in large hoards across Roman territories. Coins like the aureus and denarius played significant roles in commerce and military payments, while bronze coins were essential for local transactions. The Roman economy’s reliance on coinage allowed for easy conversion between precious metals, enabling complex trade systems. Conversion charts would help calculate the equivalent values of gold, silver, and bronze coins for trading purposes.

Historical Importance and Hoards

Roman coins are frequently found in hoards, indicating their importance in ancient Roman society. People would save or hide their wealth in times of uncertainty, and such hoards provide a wealth of information about the empire’s economy, minting practices, and the lives of ancient owners. Coins discovered in archaeological finds often help historians trace trade routes, military movements, and the distribution of wealth across the empire.

Ancient Roman Coins Value

The Roman coins value is determined by several factors, including rarity, condition, historical significance, and the story behind each piece. Collectors and historians alike treasure these coins, not just for their material worth but for their ability to connect us with the ancient past. Whether it's a coin minted during the reign of Julius Caesar or a rare issue from a short-lived emperor, each coin is a piece of history, an investment in the past.

The market for ancient Roman coins is vibrant, with rare and historically significant pieces fetching high prices at auctions. Here are some of the most expensive Roman coins that have been sold and their prices, highlighting the immense value that collectors place on these ancient artifacts. Please note that prices can vary due to the condition of the coin, its rarity, and its historical significance.

1. Aureus of Brutus (EID MAR)

  • Description: The EID MAR denarius, featuring the portrait of Brutus on one side and two daggers with a liberty cap between them on the other, commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15) 44 BC. While not an aureus, this silver denarius is one of the most famous and sought-after Roman coins.
  • Price: One of the highest prices paid for an EID MAR denarius was over $3.5 million at an auction in 2020.

2. Aureus of Sextus Pompey

  • Description: This gold aureus features the portrait of Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great, and commemorates his control over Sicily and the defeat of Julius Caesar's forces. It is extremely rare.
  • Price: Sold for around $3.5 million at an auction.

3. Aureus of Antoninus Pius

  • Description: A rare gold aureus of Antoninus Pius, which commemorates his deceased wife, Faustina the Elder. The coin is notable for its rarity and the condition.
  • Price: Achieved a price of approximately $1.65 million at auction.

4. Aureus of Gaius (Caligula) with his sisters

  • Description: This gold aureus features the portrait of Caligula on one side and his three sisters, Agrippina, Drusilla, and Julia Livilla, on the reverse, symbolizing their divinity.
  • Price: Sold for about $1.38 million.

5. Aureus of Hadrian

  • Description: An exceptionally rare aureus of Hadrian, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman portraiture on coinage. It features a detailed and lifelike portrait of the emperor.
  • Price: Reached a price of over $1.1 million at auction.

6. Aureus of Maximinus Thrax

  • Description: A gold aureus of Maximinus Thrax, known for its rarity and the short reign of Maximinus, making coins from his time particularly valuable.
  • Price: Sold for just over $1 million.

These sales not only reflect the monetary value of these ancient coins but also their historical significance, rarity, and the story each coin tells about the Roman Empire and its leaders. The fascination with Roman coins is a testament to their enduring legacy as cultural and historical artifacts.

How to Collect Roman Coins

Collecting Roman coins is a journey through history. Beginners should start by familiarizing themselves with the different periods of Roman history, understanding the types of coins minted during these times, and learning to read the symbols and inscriptions that adorn these ancient treasures. Joining numismatic societies, attending coin shows, and reading specialized literature can provide invaluable knowledge and connections within the collecting community.

Coin Collecting Made Easy - Buy Roman Coins from Bullion Shark

Coin collecting has never been easier with Bullion Shark. We provide fast shipping and accept a variety of payment methods to make sure you can get the coins you need quickly and easily.

Learn more about: greek coins, shipwreck coins, biblical coins, silver dollars, franklin half dollars, morgan silver dollars.

 Ancient Roman Coins FAQ

Roman coins were made of various metals, depending on their denomination and the time period. Common metals included gold (aureus), silver (denarius), and bronze (sestertius, dupondius, and others).
Yes, Roman coins often featured the portraits of emperors and important figures. These portraits changed over time to reflect the reigning authority.
Roman coins were used as a form of currency for various transactions, including trade, taxes, and everyday purchases. They also served as a means of propagating the image and authority of the emperor.

Roman coins often featured images and inscriptions related to the emperor, deities, or significant events. These symbols and inscriptions provided information about the coin's origin and purpose.

Some Roman coins can be valuable to collectors, particularly those in good condition and with historical significance. The value of a Roman coin depends on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical context.
Yes, the designs on Roman coins often changed with each new emperor or significant event. These changes allowed emperors to assert their authority and commemorate their accomplishments.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476, the use of Roman coinage declined in Western Europe. However, the Byzantine Empire in the East continued to mint its own coinage for centuries.
Roman coins were widely accepted in trade with other civilizations, thanks to the empire's vast reach. They served as a common medium of exchange in many parts of the known world.

The most valuable ancient Roman coins are usually those that are rare, in excellent condition, or have significant historical importance. Examples include the EID MAR denarius commemorating Julius Caesar's assassination, and gold aurei of emperors like Nero and Augustus. Prices can range from thousands to millions of dollars.

The oldest Roman coins date back to the late 4th century BC, from the early days of the Roman Republic. These early Roman coins are often referred to as "Roman Republic bronzes."
Ancient Roman coins date back to the late 4th century BC, with the Roman Republic's first coinage around 300 BC. The Roman coinage system continued throughout the Roman Empire until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the late 5th century AD. Therefore, the oldest Roman coins are approximately 2,300 years old.

Roman coins were primarily made from three metals: bronze (or copper), silver, and gold. Early Roman coins were cast in bronze. As the system evolved, the Romans introduced struck coins, and silver became a common material, especially for the denarius, which became the standard silver coin. Gold coins (aurei) were less common and used for large transactions and as gifts to soldiers and officials.

Identifying ancient Roman coins involves examining several key features:

Obverse (front): Typically features the head of a deity, emperor, or member of the imperial family, often with an inscription of the name.
Reverse (back): Can depict various themes, including mythology, military victories, and propaganda, with inscriptions explaining the scene or commemorating events.
Material and Size: Knowing the common materials and sizes for different denominations helps in identification.
Inscriptions: Most Roman coins have Latin inscriptions, which can indicate the mint date, location, and the emperor's titles.