Denarius

The denarius was the backbone of Roman silver coinage for over four centuries, struck from around 211 BC until the mid-third century AD. It began as a coin of roughly 4.5 grams of good silver, equivalent to ten asses (hence the name, from "deni" meaning "containing ten"), and became the standard unit of account across the Roman world. Over its long history the denarius underwent periodic weight reductions and debasement — Nero reduced the silver content significantly in 64 AD, and by the Severan period coins often contained less than 50% silver. The coin typically measures 17–20mm in diameter and features a portrait obverse with a wide variety of political, religious, and military reverse types. Republican denarii are identified by Crawford (RRC) numbers, while imperial issues follow RIC volumes organised by ruler. Denarii are the most commonly collected Roman silver coins: Republican issues with their diverse moneyer types and historical scenes, and imperial portrait denarii from Augustus through to the final issues under Gordian III, offer enormous variety at accessible price points. Key areas of specialist interest include the legionary denarii of Mark Antony, the "restored" series of Trajan, and the Eastern mint denarii of Septimius Severus.