06 February 2026
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Roman coinage was used across a vast area of the world and across centuries, meaning there is much for collectors to learn and collect. Discover all about Roman coins in this ultimate guide.
Roman coins are popular with coin collectors. The coins were issued worldwide for hundreds of years, which means that there are many different varieties to collect.
Early bronze and silver coins like the aes grave and the denarius began to circulate during the Roman Republican period (c. 500 – 21 BC).
Then after that the Roman Empire began (27 BC – AD 476) and this period was defined by imperial control over currency. This era saw the development and widespread use of coins minted under emperors like Augustus, Nero, and Constantine.
Influenced by the Greeks, the first coins of the Roman Republic often featured images of mythical animals, gods and goddesses, or symbols.
Meanwhile, the Roman Empire saw the coins feature portraits of leaders and Roman emperors, increasingly whilst they were still living, such as Julius Caesar.
In ancient Rome, the Romans discovered that gold and silver coins could be used as propaganda, underlining the power and wisdom of a leader and even suggesting they had God-like qualities.
Suggested article: Your Guide to Hammered Coins
The Best Roman Coins to Collect
You can find gold, silver and copper Roman coins, as you would expect, gold coins and silver coins are generally more expensive to add to your collection, depending on condition and rarity. As ever, you should set yourself a budget first and then work within that.
There are many ways to form a collection, for example, you could: collect a particular period, focus on a particular leader, choose a theme, form a collection of provincial Roman coins from certain mints, look for coins that reflect a historic event or focus on a specific coinage.
Different Types of Roman Coins
- As (plural ‘assess’) This bronze coin, and later copper coin, was used throughout the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, The As reduced in size over the years but was generally around 2.6 to 3cm in diameter.
- Dupondius. Worth two asses and its name means ‘two-pounder.’
- Sestertius. This coin was silver during the Roman Republic and increased in size during the Empire, when it was created using bronze.
- Denarius. Perhaps the most well-known Roman coin, the silver denarius was originally worth 10 asses, its name literally means ‘containing ten.’ As inflation took hold and the value of the as deceased, the denarius was worth 16 asses.
Rare Roman Coins to Add to the Collection
The ‘EID MAR’ (Ides of March) denarius has been described as ‘undoubtedly the most historically important of all ancient coins.’ The coin was issued to spread news of the assassination of Julius Caesar. No wonder the few examples that remain in private hands often grab the headlines at high profile coin auctions.
This coin’s design shows a bust of Brutus and on the reverse two daggers either side of a felt hat that was worn by freed slaves, suggesting Caesar’s murder stopped his oppression of the people of the Empire.
One example sold for approximately £393,619 in 2015 at a Heritage Auctions sale. A gold version sold for £2,700,000 in 2020; the world record price paid for a Roman coin.
Our Ides of march example was produced c.44 BC whilst this gold aurei medallion was minted in c. 308 AD, demonstrating how coin production techniques improved over the centuries.
This medallion was sold by Numismatica Ars Classica in 2011 for just over £1 million. It shows Maxentius, who was Roman Emperor Roman emperor 306 to 312. He rose to power following the demise of Constantine and later fought against him in bitter civil wars.
The coin's design aims to assert Maxentius' power and is one of just two examples known to exist.
This sestertius of Hadrian was minted around 135 AD, and the portrait of Hadrian is widely regarded as one of the best seen on any Roman coin.
It is thought to have been produced by sculptor Antoninianus of Aphrodisias, and the reverse shows an image of Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace. This is thought to refer to Hadrian's involvement in the Bar Kokhba revolt.
Starting a Roman coin collection is straightforward, and whilst the coins you can buy cheaply may be of a low quality, there is something very exciting about owning these small pieces of history and gradually finding out more about the coins.
Budget Roman coins can be found on internet sites such as eBay and delcampe.net, whilst you can also find low-quality items in dealers' 'bargain buckets' at coin fairs.
Many dealers specialise in Roman coinage, you the advice and confidence you need to take the next step and buy a more valuable Roman coin. Find a dealer in our online directory.
Looking to buy Roman rarities or invest in gold or silver Roman coins? Many of the world's top auction houses offer rare Roman coins, so keep your eye on forthcoming sales.
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To add some Roman coins to your collection, explore Royal Mint and explore their collection.