Identifying Roman Coins – A Comprehensive Guide of Coinage

How to Identifying Roman Coins – A Comprehensive Guide

This guide will walk you through the key features of identifying Roman coins, how to distinguish different types, and authentication methods to ensure you have a genuine piece of history in your hands.

Roman coins are some of the most fascinating numismatic artifacts, offering a glimpse into the history, politics, and economy of ancient Rome. Identifying them can be challenging, especially for beginners.

1. Key Features of Identifying Roman Coins

Identifying Roman coins evolved over centuries, each era introducing new designs, materials, and inscriptions. Understanding these features is crucial for identification.

Inscriptions and Legends

Roman coins typically include Latin inscriptions that identify the issuing emperor, deity, or authority.
Common abbreviations include IMP (Imperator), AVG (Augustus), and PONT MAX (Pontifex Maximus).
Legends often provide important historical context, such as military victories or titles.

Materials and Weight

Gold (Aureus) – Used mainly for large transactions and imperial payments.
Silver (Denarius) – The standard currency for centuries.
Bronze & Copper (As, Dupondius, Sestertius) – Used for everyday transactions.
Weight and diameter vary by denomination and time period.

Mint Marks and Symbols

Roman coins often carry mint marks, particularly during the later Empire.
Symbols such as eagles, laurels, and gods indicated imperial power and divine association.

Historical Context

Each Roman coin reflects the time in which it was struck, including ruler portraits and events of significance.

2. Types of Roman Coins

Roman coinage can be broadly divided into the following categories:

Imperial Roman Coins

Issued from 27 BC to AD 476, these coins featured portraits of emperors and their families.
The reverse often depicted gods, military victories, or propaganda messages.
Example: An Aureus of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14) featuring his laureate bust and an image of a deity on the reverse.

Roman Republic Coins

Minted before the rise of emperors, from 509 BC to 27 BC.
Often depicted political themes, military achievements, and symbols of Roman authority.
Example: A Denarius of Julius Caesar (c. 44 BC) showing his portrait—one of the first Roman coins to feature a living ruler.

Syracuse and Provincial Roman Coins

Many Roman provinces minted their own coins under imperial authority.
Coins from Syracuse (Sicily) and other Greek-influenced cities often featured local deities, rulers, and architectural designs.
Example: A Tetradrachm from Roman Syracuse, showing the bust of Zeus and a quadriga (four-horse chariot).

3. Common Counterfeits and How to Spot Them

Cast vs. Struck Coins

Genuine Roman coins were struck with dies, while many forgeries are cast.
Look for casting seams, bubbles, or irregular surfaces.

Modern Replicas and Altered Coins

Some fakes are made using ancient coin molds but with modern metal compositions.
Compare with authentic examples in numismatic databases.

4. Authentication Methods

Weight and Diameter Comparison

Compare with standard references to detect discrepancies.

Magnification & Surface Analysis

Use a magnifying glass or microscope to check for die marks, wear patterns, and metal composition.

Expert Verification and Certificates

Reputable numismatic experts and grading companies can provide authenticity certification.

5. Where to Get Coins Authenticated

Trusted Numismatic Experts and Services

Professional numismatists and authentication services like NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and PCGS offer authentication.

Museums and Professional Grading Companies

Museums with numismatic collections can assist in verifying ancient coins.

Best Practices for Buyers and Collectors

Always buy from reputable dealers and auction houses.
Research the history and features of the coin before purchasing.
Consider investing in books or online resources to expand your knowledge.

By following these steps, you can ensure your Roman coin collection is authentic and historically valuable.

How to Grade Roman Coins – A Collector’s Guide

Grading Roman coins is an essential skill for collectors and investors. Proper grading helps determine a coin’s value, rarity, and historical significance. Unlike modern coins, Roman coins do not have standardized minting processes, making grading more complex. This guide will explore grading systems, key factors affecting grade, and how to assess the condition of Roman coins accurately.

Roman Coin Grading Systems

While modern coins often use the Sheldon Scale (1-70), Roman coins are typically graded using descriptive terms. The most common grading system includes:

FDC (Fleur de Coin) – Flawless condition, nearly perfect strike, and no wear.
EF (Extremely Fine) – Sharp details with minimal wear on high points.
VF (Very Fine) – Moderate wear but clear details.
F (Fine) – Noticeable wear but most features still visible.
VG (Very Good) – Heavy wear, but legends and major details remain.
G (Good) – Significant wear with some features barely visible.
Poor – Almost unidentifiable, often with corroded or missing parts.

Factors Affecting Roman Coin Grades

Several factors determine the grade of a Roman coin:

Strike Quality – Ancient coins were hand-struck, leading to variations in strike depth and centering.
Wear – The extent of circulation wear affects grading; high points wear first.
Patina – Natural oxidation forms a protective layer; an attractive patina can enhance value.
Surface Condition – Scratches, corrosion, and cleaning marks impact grading.
Centering – Well-centered coins with full legends and designs are preferred.

How to Assess Wear & Detail

To grade a Roman coin, examine the following:

Obverse (Front) – Facial details, hair, and laurel wreath wear.
Reverse (Back) – Clarity of symbols, deities, and legends.
Edges – Signs of clipping or damage.
Field (Background) – Look for smoothing or alterations.

Notable Roman Coins by Grade

Here are examples of different Roman coin types and how grading affects their value:

Imperial Coins (e.g., Aureus of Augustus) – High-grade specimens fetch premium prices.
Roman Republic Coins (e.g., Denarius of Julius Caesar) – Well-struck examples with minimal wear are highly sought after.
Syracuse Coins (e.g., Tetradrachm of Hiero II) – Known for artistic designs; condition is crucial for value.
Sestertius Coins – Large bronze coins with detailed reverses; wear significantly affects legibility.
Late Roman Coins (e.g., Solidus of Constantine) – Gold coins often survive in higher grades due to less circulation.

Professional Grading Services

For collectors seeking authentication, professional grading is an option. Trusted grading companies include:

NGC Ancients
PCGS
ANACS
Independent numismatic experts

These services provide certification, authentication, and encapsulation, preserving a coin’s condition and value.

Collecting Roman Coins

There’s something addictive about Roman coins. The first time you hold one, you start wondering — who spent it? Was it dropped in a marketplace? Carried by a soldier on campaign? Before you know it, you’re hooked.

Why People Collect

For some, it’s the beauty. A crisp portrait of Hadrian, a goddess with flowing robes — the kind of detail you can get lost in. Others love the detective work, matching a coin’s story to a specific year or event. And then you’ve got the bargain hunters, rummaging through dealer trays for that underpriced gem. Honestly, most of us end up being a mix of all three.

Where to Buy

You can find Roman coins in plenty of places, but not all are created equal:

Trusted Dealers – Worth paying a little extra for peace of mind.
Auctions – Exciting, but easy to overspend if you get caught up in the moment.
Coin Shows – Nothing beats holding a coin before you buy it.
Online Listings – Sites like VCoins or MA-Shops are great, but know what you’re looking at.

(Internal link: Buying Ancient Coins Safely)

Watch Out for Fakes

Unfortunately, the fakes are out there — and some are very good. If the patina looks “painted on,” the weight feels wrong, or the details seem too perfect, slow down. Ask questions. Real coins carry tiny signs of age that fakes can’t quite copy.

(Internal link: How to Spot Fake Roman Coins)

Storing & Caring for Coins

Don’t polish them — seriously. That “shiny” look will just ruin both the history and the value. Keep coins in acid-free flips, trays, or capsules, and store them somewhere dry. If you collect bronzes, check them now and then for bronze disease (that chalky green corrosion that can spread).

Start Small

Your first coin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, learning on affordable pieces is the smartest way to go. You’ll make mistakes — everyone does — but it’s better to make them on a $30 bronze than a $3,000 aureus.

Join the Conversation

Roman coin collecting isn’t just a solo hobby. There are forums, Facebook groups, and even in-person clubs where people will happily help you ID a coin, share tips, and maybe trade a few pieces.

(Internal link: Ancient Coin Collecting Tips)

Final Thought: The real magic is in the connection. Every coin is a survivor from another world — and you’re the next chapter in its story.

Identifying Roman coins requires careful analysis of wear, strike, and overall condition. By understanding grading systems and assessment techniques, collectors can make informed purchasing and investment decisions. Always consult experts for rare and high-value coins, and preserve coins properly to maintain their grade and value.