Ancient Roman Coins — Denarii, Aurei & Collector Guide
Seven centuries of Roman coinage — from the first silver denarii of the Republic through the gold solidi of the late Empire. A complete guide to types, emperors, values, and collecting.
Why Collect Ancient Roman Coins?
Ancient Roman coins are among the most accessible entry points in all of ancient numismatics — and one of the most historically rich. Unlike Greek coins, which were city-state issues with relatively limited production, Rome struck coinage across an empire stretching from Britain to Mesopotamia for over seven centuries. This enormous production means genuine Roman coins survive in substantial numbers today, making it possible to build a meaningful collection at virtually any budget.
A circulated bronze sestertius of Emperor Hadrian — a coin that circulated during the height of the Roman Empire around 125 CE — can be purchased for under $100. A silver denarius of Julius Caesar costs $500–$5,000 depending on grade and type. An aureus of Augustus in fine condition represents museum-quality ancient gold at $5,000–$50,000+. No other ancient culture offers this range of price points with consistent historical significance at every level.
The Main Roman Coin Denominations
Aureus
Rome's primary gold coin. ~7.3g of nearly pure gold. Struck from Augustus onward. Features emperors, empresses, and deities. The pinnacle of Roman coinage.
$1,500 – $100,000+Denarius
The workhorse of Roman silver coinage. Struck from 211 BCE through the 3rd century CE. The most collected Roman coin type by a wide margin.
$50 – $10,000+Sestertius
Large brass coin from the late Republic onward. The primary accounting unit of Roman commerce. Impressive size makes reverse designs highly visible.
As & Dupondius
Copper and orichalcum base metal coins. The everyday currency of ordinary Romans. Affordable entry point — even worn examples are genuine 2,000-year-old artifacts.
$10 – $500+Antoninianus
Double denarius introduced by Caracalla in 212 CE. Distinguished by a radiate crown. Gradually debased to near bronze — the coin that reflected Rome's 3rd-century crisis.
$20 – $1,500+Solidus
Late Roman gold standard introduced by Constantine I in 312 CE. ~4.5g of nearly pure gold. The most stable gold coin in history — struck nearly unchanged for 700 years.
$400 – $15,000+Find Certified Roman Coins on eBay
NGC-authenticated denarii, sestertii, aurei, and bronze coins from the Roman Republic and Empire — verified grades and guaranteed authenticity with eBay's Money Back Guarantee.
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Value Guide: Key Roman Coins by Type & Emperor
Values shown are approximate market ranges for authenticated examples. Condition, rarity of type, and portrait quality drive significant price variation within each category.
| Coin / Emperor | Type | Period | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Caesar Lifetime Portrait | Silver Denarius | 44 BCE | $500 – $25,000+ |
| Augustus | Gold Aureus | 27 BCE–14 CE | $5,000 – $80,000+ |
| Nero | Gold Aureus | 54–68 CE | $4,000 – $50,000+ |
| Vespasian | Silver Denarius | 69–79 CE | $100 – $800+ |
| Trajan | Sestertius (brass) | 98–117 CE | $150 – $3,000+ |
| Hadrian | Silver Denarius | 117–138 CE | $75 – $600+ |
| Marcus Aurelius | Silver Denarius | 161–180 CE | $100 – $800+ |
| Caracalla | Silver Antoninianus | 198–217 CE | $50 – $400+ |
| Diocletian | Bronze Follis | 284–305 CE | $30 – $300+ |
| Constantine I (The Great) | Bronze AE3 | 306–337 CE | $20 – $200+ |
| Constantine I | Gold Solidus | 306–337 CE | $1,500 – $15,000+ |
| Roman Republic Denarius (generic) | Silver Denarius | 211–27 BCE | $75 – $500+ |
Roman Coin Explorer
Browse key Roman coins by era. Click any coin for details and current eBay listings.
The Roman Republic (509–27 BCE)
Republican coinage began around 300 BCE with crude bronze bars called aes grave, evolving rapidly into the silver denarius by 211 BCE — a coin that would define Roman commerce for the next four centuries. Republican denarii are distinguished by their enormous variety: each issue was struck in the name of a specific minting magistrate (tresviri monetales), whose family name and symbols appear on the coins. This means thousands of distinct types exist, each with its own history and varying rarity.
The most historically significant Republican coins are the lifetime portrait denarii of Julius Caesar (44 BCE) — the first time a living Roman appeared on Roman coinage. This act of self-promotion was deeply controversial and almost certainly contributed to his assassination on the Ides of March, 44 BCE. Coins issued in the months immediately following Caesar's death, including the famous Brutus "EID MAR" denarius commemorating the assassination, are among the most sought ancient coins in the world — a single fine example sold for $4.2 million in 2020.
The Imperial Era: Portraits of Power
Roman Imperial coinage (27 BCE–476 CE) is the most collected ancient series in the world. Every coin bears the portrait of a specific emperor or member of the imperial family, making each piece a direct historical connection to figures whose decisions shaped Western civilization. Collecting by emperor — building a portrait set of the Twelve Caesars, the Five Good Emperors, or the Crisis of the Third Century — is one of the most satisfying approaches to Roman numismatics.
Coins of the Twelve Caesars
Building a silver denarius set of the Julio-Claudian and Flavian dynasties — Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian — is a classic collecting challenge. Most can be acquired in circulated grades for $100–$500 each, with exceptions: Caligula ($800–$3,000+), Otho (rare, $1,500–$8,000+), and Vitellius (very rare, $2,000–$10,000+).
The Five Good Emperors
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius represent what Gibbon called the period "in the history of the world during which the condition of the human race was most happy and prosperous." Their coins are abundant, beautifully struck, and remarkably affordable — most silver denarii of Hadrian or Marcus Aurelius can be found in attractive VF condition for $100–$300. For certified values across the series, see the FRC Coin Price Guide.
How to Start Collecting Roman Coins
The best entry point for most new collectors is a circulated bronze or copper coin from the 3rd or 4th century CE — coins of Diocletian, Constantine I, or their successors cost $15–$50 and provide a genuine tangible connection to the late Roman Empire. Once comfortable with condition grading and authentication basics, moving up to silver denarii of the 1st–2nd centuries is the natural next step. The OCRE (Online Coins of the Roman Empire) database at numismatics.org is an invaluable free resource for identification.
Where to Buy Ancient Roman Coins
These trusted sources carry certified and raw Roman coins across all denominations, eras, and price points. Always prioritize NGC-certified examples for coins over $200.
eBay — NGC Certified Roman
The largest online marketplace for certified ancient Roman coins. Filter specifically for NGC-graded examples to ensure authenticity on any coin worth serious money.
Shop NGC Roman Coins →eBay — Roman Denarii
Silver denarii of the Republic and Empire — the most collected Roman coin type. Wide range of emperors, grades, and prices from specialist dealers worldwide.
Shop Roman Denarii →eBay — Bronze & Copper
Affordable entry-level Roman coins — sestertii, as, dupondius, and late Roman bronze AE coins starting under $20. Genuine 2,000-year-old artifacts at accessible prices.
Shop Roman Bronze →eBay — Roman Gold Aurei
Imperial gold aurei and solidi for advanced collectors. Always certified by NGC. Augustus, Nero, and Constantine I are the most sought emperor portraits.
Shop Roman Gold →Amazon — Reference Books
David Sear's Roman Coins and Their Values is the essential reference. Also: Banti-Simonetti for sestertii, and RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) for advanced attribution.
Shop Amazon Books →FRC Coin Price Guide
Research certified values for ancient and world coins before you buy or sell. A free reference built for collectors across all areas of numismatics.
View Price Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Roman coin is authentic?
The best protection against fakes is NGC Ancient Coin certification for any coin worth over $200. For lower-value coins, study the style carefully — genuine Roman coins have a specific feel to the portraiture and lettering that comes from authentic dies. Fakes often show blurry lettering, artificial patina, or incorrect weight. Buy from established dealers with return policies and cross-reference your coin against the OCRE (Online Coins of the Roman Empire) database at numismatics.org.
What is the most affordable way to start collecting Roman coins?
Late Roman bronze coins (AE3 and AE4 types from the 4th century CE — Constantine I and his successors) are the most accessible entry point, with attractive circulated examples available for $15–$50. These are genuine 1,700-year-old coins that circulated during one of history's most dramatic periods — the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Once comfortable with handling and grading, step up to silver antoniniani of the 3rd century ($30–$100) and then silver denarii of the 1st–2nd centuries ($75–$300 for common emperors in VF).
What Roman coins are most valuable?
Gold aurei of early emperors (Augustus, Nero, Caligula) in high grades command $5,000–$80,000+. The Brutus EID MAR denarius sold for $4.2 million in 2020. Julius Caesar lifetime portrait denarii regularly achieve $1,000–$25,000 depending on type and grade. Among bronze coins, large sestertii of Nero or Trajan with strong reverse designs can reach $3,000–$10,000 in fine condition.
Can I find Roman coins with a metal detector?
In some countries yes — metal detecting for Roman coins is legal and popular in the UK (with finds reported under the Portable Antiquities Scheme) and parts of continental Europe. Always research local laws before detecting, and report significant finds to the appropriate cultural heritage authority. Detecting on scheduled monuments or without landowner permission is illegal everywhere.
What is the difference between a denarius and an antoninianus?
The denarius was Rome's primary silver coin from 211 BCE onward, weighing approximately 3.4g of silver. The antoninianus was introduced by Caracalla in 212 CE as a double denarius — identifiable by the radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse. Despite its supposed "double" value, the antoninianus was progressively debased throughout the 3rd century, eventually becoming little more than a bronze coin with a thin silver wash. It is extremely common, affordable, and ideal for beginning Roman coin collectors.
What is the best reference book for identifying Roman coins?
David Sear's Roman Coins and Their Values (five volumes covering Republic through late Empire) is the standard reference most collectors start with — each volume covers a specific period and lists coins with catalog numbers, descriptions, and value ranges. For more detailed attribution, the Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) series is the scholarly standard. Both are available on Amazon. The free online OCRE database (numismatics.org) is an excellent digital companion for identification and is searchable by emperor, type, and mint.
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