Roman coins

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

This collection of coins range from the dates of 8 BC to 164 AD. Each coin has a specific reason as to why it was made, how much each was worth, and what they each represent. All located inside the Roman Empire and produced by important leaders, these coins are made out of different materials that represent how much each one is worth. Some common material that coins were made out of in the Roman Empire would be gold, copper, silver and brass. The front sides are usually carved with the face of whom the coin is dedicated to, or the main person that caused the meaning for that coin to be made. The tail side usually contains a symbol that represents a message such as freedom, suffering or independence. Usually, you can tell the backstory and the reasoning of the coins by finding out who the important person is, and the symbol on the tail side of the coin, representing what might have happened in the story or in that special event. The leader shown on the head side of each coin represent them because of an important event they lead, where the event is on the tails side. Each and every single one of these events that have occurred has shaped the way Roman society was and why the Roman society was able to purchase goods. Leaders thought it would be a good idea to appreciate these achievements by placing them on coins that citizens see every day. Coins were the main reason as to why citizens of the Roman society could purchase what they needed for their lifestyle. There have been a lot of coins produced every once in a while, but their leaders didn't make the coins for no reason at all. The events and people who were the reason for the makings of these coins have made large impacts and have made history that represent how the Roman society is reflected upon us to this day. These are all related in terms of makings, design, material, meaning, date and placing Rome’s economical system in a good place.

Augustus, aureus, Unknown, -0008, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

Augustus, the first emperor of ancient Rome, rose to power between the date of his father’s death (Julius Caesar) in 44 BC, and the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Augustus also successfully defeated his rivals, Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Augustus was known as Octavius until 27 BC, because he did not take the name before then. After all this, Augustus continued to rule the Roman Empire for another 40 years. He also built a new political arrangement called the Roman Principate which replaced the previous political arrangements.

Augustus, denarius, Unknown, -0029/-0027, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

Gaius Octavius, also known as Augustus was one of the most powerful and successful leaders in all of Roman history. At only eighteen years old, Augustus rose to power and took control of most of the East, and of Africa. During his 40 year rule Augustus controlled changes in the empire such as political, economic and social reforms. Under his rule the Roman empire came to peace, prosperity and security for all of the Roman citizens. The immense rise to Christianity also took place during this time.

Marcus junius Brutus, denarius, Unknown, -0043/-0042, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

This coin represents ancient Rome’s most famous murder. It was made in honor of Marcus Junius Brutus, who happened to be one of Julius Caesar’s assistants. The front side of the coin shows Marcus’ face in his honor, and the reversed side of the coin represents the cap of liberty to slaves who were freed.

Roman Republic, denarius, Unknown, -0211, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

The design of this coin features the helmeted head of the goddess Roma galloping on horseback on the reverse. In the early 2nd century BC, a new design was introduced, with Luna the moon goddess (and later Victory) in a chariot on the reverse. Gradually, increasing innovation occurred in the design of the denarius, which reflected the influence of the moneyer. One denarius was equivalent to 10 asses.

Roman Republic, denarius, Unknown, -0047/-0046, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

The silver design of this coin was the most common coin to be produced in this time. The word denarius comes from the Latin word dēnī , meaning "to contain ten". This was so because the coin itself was worth 10 asses.

Titus, Sestertius, Unknown, 0080, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

This coin represents the making of one of Rome's greatest architectural works; the Colosseum. The reason why there is a horse is because of all the supplies and materials the Roman workers had to bring in, in order to complete such a building. In the Colosseum itself, there were wooden floors and rooms inside them. The main purpose of this building was to watch games. Games such as man versus man, man versus animal or animal versus animal. Gory and bloody scenes never failed to make the Roman audience ignite with life.

Hadrian, bronze, Unknown, 0117/0138, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

Hadrian was one of the Five Good Emperors that abandoned the policy of Trajan and made a policy of his own. He traveled to nearly every province of the Empire, more than any other emperor, often ordering big building programs to improve infrastructure and architecture. The quality of life in those regions grew as he worked more and more on them. As an admirer of Greek work, he tried to make Athens the capital of the Empire and he also ordered the construction of many temples in the city. He spent most of his time with the military. He liked the military so much that he would normally wear military attire.

Lucilla, aureus, Unknown, 0164, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum

The person portrayed on this coin is Lucilla, the wife of Lucius Verus. Lucius Verus was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 169. After his death, she remained married to a senator. Lucilla was important because she grew up as a well treated princess.

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

Numismatic Museum