denarius
Quick Summary
The denarius was a silver coin of ancient Rome, first issued around 211 BC. It was marked with an 'X', signifying its value of 10 bronze asses. The denarius quickly became the primary currency in the central and western Mediterranean.1
Initially weighing less than the earlier quadrigati, the denarius featured a head of Roma on the obverse and the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) with the inscription ROMA on the reverse. Its value in terms of bronze was later revalued to 16 asses. The denarius was also the basis for the gold aureus, which was equal to 25 silver denarii. The term "denarius" itself is sometimes associated with "god's penny" in New Latin.123
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coinIntroduction of the denariusAdjustment of the previously fluctuating relationship between bronze and silver was first secured by the issue about 211 bc of the silver denarius (marked X—i.e., 10 bronze asses), together with fractional coins, also of silver (marked V—i.e., five; and IIS—i.e., 2 1/2 asses—a…
Read MoreAdjustment of the previously fluctuating relationship between bronze and silver was first secured by the issue about 211 bc of the silver denarius (marked X—i.e., 10 bronze asses), together with fractional coins, also of silver (marked V—i.e., five; and IIS—i.e., 2 1/2 asses—a…
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moneyMetallic moneyNot long after the silver denarius, patterned after the Greek drachma, was introduced about 212 bc, the prior copper coinage (aes, or libra) began to be debased until, by the onset of the empire, its weight had been reduced from 1 pound (about 450 grams) to half an ounce (about…
Read MoreNot long after the silver denarius, patterned after the Greek drachma, was introduced about 212 bc, the prior copper coinage (aes, or libra) began to be debased until, by the onset of the empire, its weight had been reduced from 1 pound (about 450 grams) to half an ounce (about…
Read More