quinarius

ancient coin

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The quinarius was a Roman silver coin issued occasionally from the 3rd century BC. It was equivalent to half of a denarius. The quinarius was also sometimes a gold coin, equivalent to half of an aureus, during the imperial period of Rome.1

The denarius, marked with an 'X', was introduced around 211 BC as a silver coin. It quickly became the primary currency in the central and western Mediterranean. By about 133 BC, the value of the denarius was revalued to 16 asses instead of 10. The silver quinarius, then valued at eight asses, became rare, and the silver sesterce virtually disappeared.2

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coin
Introduction of the denarius
…of 10 asses; the silver quinarius (now of eight asses and with the types of the victoriate) became rare; and the silver sesterce (now equal to four asses) virtually disappeared. After about 80 bc the striking of bronze was discontinued until the time of Caesar.
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…of 10 asses; the silver quinarius (now of eight asses and with the types of the victoriate) became rare; and the silver sesterce (now equal to four asses) virtually disappeared. After about 80 bc the striking of bronze was discontinued until the time of Caesar.
Read More