How to Identify Roman Coins

Emperor Legends, Denominations, Mint Marks, Reverse Types & Fake Checks

Emperor Portraits Latin Legends Mint Marks Fake Protection
Start 60-Second Test
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WHAT COUNTS AS A "ROMAN COIN"?

Understanding the full scope of Roman coinage from Republic to Late Empire

The Complete Roman Numismatic Timeline

Roman coins span nearly 1,000 years of history, evolving from Republic to Empire to Late Empire. Each period has distinct characteristics that affect identification.

Roman Republican

c. 280–27 BC
👤
Key Identifier

No emperor portrait
Moneyer names (III VIR)
Roman deities/symbols

📝
Legend Pattern

Latin abbreviations
Magistrate names
ROMA or ROMANO

⚔️
Common Types

Dioscuri, Roma head
Galley prow, animals
Mythological scenes

Roman Imperial

27 BC – 284 AD
👑
Key Identifier

Emperor portrait
Laureate/radiate crown
Imperial titles around

📝
Legend Pattern

IMP CAES [NAME] AVG
Full imperial formula
TR P, COS numbers

🏛️
Common Types

Deities/personifications
Military victories
Propaganda messages

Late Roman

284–498 AD
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Key Identifier

Strong mint marks
Christian symbols
Smaller bronzes (AE3/AE4)

📝
Legend Pattern

Shorter imperial names
DN (Dominus Noster)
Simplified titles

✝️
Common Types

Christograms, crosses
Camp gate, victory
Emperor with standard

How to Distinguish Key Categories

Republican vs Imperial

Republican: No portrait, moneyer names, ROMA common
Imperial: Emperor portrait, IMP CAES AVG formula
Trick: If no portrait but Latin legend, likely Republican

Imperial vs Provincial

Imperial: Latin legends, standard reverse types
Provincial: Greek legends, local city gods/symbols
Trick: Check language - Greek letters = likely provincial

Late Roman vs Byzantine

Late Roman: Latin legends, mint marks in exergue
Early Byzantine: Christ portraits, Greek legends, follis M/K/I/E
Trick: Transition around 498 AD with Anastasius reform

Related Roman Numismatic Guides

Roman Coins Complete Guide Byzantine Coins Guide Ancient Coin Identification Hub
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60-SECOND SORTING TEST

Quick classification before detailed identification

Three Visual Tests for Instant Classification

Use these quick checks to determine which Roman coin identification path to follow. Complete all three steps in under a minute.

1

Metal Identification

🥇
Gold (AV)

Likely: Aureus or solidus
Weight: 6.5–8.0g (aureus), 4.4–4.5g (solidus)
Action: Handle carefully, check for mint marks
Warning: Common target for modern fakes

🥈
Silver (AR)

Likely: Denarius, antoninianus, siliqua
Check: Radiate crown = antoninianus
Weight: 3.0–4.5g typical range
Note: Later silver often debased (billon)

🥉
Bronze (AE)

Likely: Sestertius, dupondius, as, follis
Look for: S C on reverse (senatorial)
Size Range: 15–35mm diameter
Most Common: 90% of found Roman coins

2

Portrait Clues

👑
Laureate Head

Meaning: Standard imperial portrait
Denominations: Denarius, sestertius, as, most bronzes
Note: Most common portrait type

☀️
Radiate Crown

Meaning: Antoninianus (usually)
Period: 3rd century crisis (215–294 AD)
Key: Double value of denarius

⛑️
Helmeted Bust

Meaning: Military context
Examples: Some Republican, crisis emperors
Rarity: Less common than laureate

❌
No Portrait

Meaning: Republican or early
Check: ROMA legend, moneyer names
Action: Go to Republican identification

3

S C Check

S C
Senatus Consulto

"By decree of the Senate" - appears on imperial bronzes

✅
S C Present

Likely: Sestertius, dupondius, or as
Period: Early to mid Empire (1st–3rd century)
Metal: Bronze or orichalcum

❌
S C Absent

Could be: Late Roman bronze, silver, gold, or provincial
Check: Mint marks in exergue instead
Note: S C disappears in 3rd century

60-Second Decision Tree

Metal?
Gold → Check weight, look for CONOB mint marks
Silver → Check for radiate crown (antoninianus)
Bronze → Look for S C, check size
Portrait?
Laureate → Standard imperial, read legend for emperor
Radiate → Antoninianus, 3rd century focus
None → Republican, check for ROMA/moneyers
S C?
Present → Early imperial bronze (sestertius family)
Absent → Late Roman, silver, gold, or provincial
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THE 10 DATA POINTS TO RECORD (ROMAN VERSION)

Your systematic identification checklist for any Roman coin

The Roman Coin Identification Template

Use this standardized checklist for every Roman coin. Recording these 10 data points gives you 90% of what you need for accurate identification.

1
Material
AV Gold
AR Silver
AE Bronze

Why: Determines denomination family immediately

2
Weight
3.5g Typical denarius
25.0g Typical sestertius

Record as: __.__ g (two decimal precision)

3
Diameter
18mm Denarius size
32mm Sestertius size

Measure: Maximum diameter in mm

4
Axis
↑↑ 12:00 alignment

Optional but useful: Die alignment consistency

5
Obverse Legend
IMP CAES TRAIAN... Partial is OK

Record: All visible letters exactly as seen

6
Reverse Legend
VICTORIA AVG Complete if possible

Include: Mint marks in exergue

7
Obverse Type
Laureate bust right Portrait details

Note: Crown type, drapery, armor, direction

8
Reverse Type
Victory advancing left Deity/object description

Describe: All elements and attributes

9
Mint Mark / Exergue
TRP· Trier mint

Key location: Bottom reverse (exergue)

10
Estimated Date Range
2nd century AD Start broad

Based on: Style, legend, mint marks

Roman Coin Identification Form

Download Printable Checklist

Get the complete 10-point Roman coin identification checklist in PDF format for easy printing and use at coin shows.

Download PDF Checklist
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ROMAN LEGENDS EXPLAINED (YOUR DECODER CORE)

Reading Latin inscriptions without knowing Latin

The Language of Roman Imperial Power

Roman coin legends follow predictable patterns of imperial titles and honors. You don't need to read Latin—just recognize the key abbreviations and name fragments.

5A) The Roman Emperor Name Pattern

[NAME] + AVG
Common Name Fragments
TRAIAN
Trajan or family member
HADRIAN
Hadrian
ANTONIN
Antoninus Pius or family
SEVER
Septimius Severus dynasty
CONSTANTIN
Constantine or family
VALERIAN
Valerian or family

5B) The Most Common Abbreviations

IMP
Imperator

Commander, Emperor title

CAES
Caesar

Heir or junior emperor

AVG
Augustus

Senior emperor title

P M
Pontifex Maximus

Chief priest title

TR P
Tribunicia Potestas

Tribunician power (year clue)

COS
Consul

Consulship (year clue)

P P
Pater Patriae

Father of the Country

GERM
Germanicus

Germanic victory title

5C) Reverse Legends & Their Meanings

Virtues & Imperial Qualities
VICTORIA
Victory (often with Victory figure)
PAX
Peace (peace personified)
FELICITAS
Prosperity/good fortune
CONCORDIA
Harmony (often military harmony)
Divine & Abstract Concepts
AETERNITAS
Eternity (of empire)
LIBERTAS
Liberty
FIDES
Loyalty (often military)
ROMA
Rome personified

Interactive Legend Decoder

Enter a Roman coin legend above to decode its meaning.

For complete legend reference:

Complete Roman Coin Legends Guide
⚖️

IDENTIFY DENOMINATION BY METAL + SIZE + PORTRAIT

Fast method for determining what type of Roman coin you have

The Roman Monetary Hierarchy

Roman coins followed specific size, weight, and portrait conventions for each denomination. Use these visual and physical clues for quick identification.

Roman Denomination Finder

Select characteristics to identify likely denomination

Metal
Portrait Type
Size (Diameter)

Select options above to see likely denomination.

6A) Bronze (AE) Big Types

Sestertius
AE Large
Size: 25–35mm
Weight: 20–28g
Key Feature: S C on reverse
Period: 1st–3rd century
Dupondius
AE Medium
Size: 22–28mm
Weight: 10–15g
Key Feature: Often radiate crown
Period: 1st–3rd century
As
AE Small
Size: 20–25mm
Weight: 8–12g
Key Feature: Laureate head, S C
Period: 1st–3rd century

6B) Silver (AR) Types

Denarius
AR Standard
Size: 18–20mm
Weight: 3.0–4.0g
Key Feature: Laureate head
Period: Republic to 3rd century
Antoninianus
AR Radiate
Size: 20–23mm
Weight: 4.0–5.5g
Key Feature: Radiate crown
Period: 215–294 AD
Siliqua
AR Late
Size: 15–18mm
Weight: 2.0–3.0g
Key Feature: Small, refined silver
Period: 4th–5th century

6C) Gold (AV) Types

Aureus
AV Early
Size: 19–21mm
Weight: 7.5–8.0g
Key Feature: High purity gold
Period: 1st–3rd century
Solidus
AV Late
Size: 20–22mm
Weight: 4.4–4.5g
Key Feature: CONOB mint marks
Period: 4th century onward
Important: Weight Variations by Era

Roman coin weights changed significantly over time. A denarius might weigh 4.5g under Augustus but only 3.0g under Severus Alexander. Always think in ranges rather than exact numbers. Use our denomination finder with ±10% tolerance.

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MINT MARKS & WORKSHOP MARKS

The "Late Roman" superpower for advanced identification

The Late Roman Mint Mark System

From the 3rd century onward, Roman coins began including systematic mint marks that tell you exactly where and when they were made. This is the single most powerful tool for late Roman coin identification.

8A) What to Look For & Where

⬇️
Exergue Marks

Location: Bottom of reverse, below main design
Format: Letters, symbols, sometimes separated by dots
Example: "TRP·" or "SMANTΔ"
Rule: ALWAYS check exergue first on late Roman coins

↔️
Field Marks

Location: Left/right of main reverse design
Format: Letters, numerals, symbols
Example: "S" in left field, "F" in right field
Purpose: Often indicate officina (workshop)

🔢
Officina Marks

Meaning: Workshop within mint (A=1st, B=2nd, etc.)
Format: Greek letters: A, B, Γ, Δ, etc.
Location: Often in fields or exergue
Importance: Affects rarity and attribution

8B) Why Mint Marks Matter

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Precise Attribution

TR = Trier mint, CON = Constantinople, ANT = Antioch. Each mint had distinct styles and output periods.

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Rarity Determination

Some mints produced fewer coins. Antioch bronzes are common; some Western mints are rare.

🗺️
Historical Geography

Mint locations reveal economic and military movements of the late Empire.

📅
Dating Precision

Mint sequences help date coins within an emperor's reign more precisely than style alone.

8C) Beginner Mint Mark Method

1
Zoom on Exergue

Use magnifier to examine bottom reverse area. Look for any letters, symbols, or dots.

2
Copy Letters Exactly

Transcribe all visible characters in order. Include dots, stars, crescents. Example: "TR·P" not "TRP".

3
Note Symbols

Record any symbols: ★ (star), ☾ (crescent), • (dot), ❖ (lozenge). Position matters.

4
Compare to Common Patterns

Use the chart below to match your transcription to known mint patterns.

Common Late Roman Mint Marks

Mint Code City Modern Location Common Formats Period Active
TR Trier Germany TR, TRP, TRS, TR• 3rd–5th century
CON Constantinople Turkey CON, CONOB, CONS 4th century onward
ANT Antioch Syria ANT, ANTOB, SMANT 3rd–6th century
AQ Aquileia Italy AQ, AQP, AQOB 3rd–5th century
RIC Rome Italy R, ROM, RM All periods
LVG Lugdunum France L, LVG, LG 1st–4th century
ALE Alexandria Egypt AL, ALE, ALEX 3rd–7th century

Mint Mark Decoder Tool

Enter a mint mark above to decode its meaning.

For complete mint mark reference:

Complete Roman Mint Marks Guide
🎨

REVERSE TYPES (THE IMAGE LANGUAGE OF ROMAN COINS)

Beginner-friendly glossary of Roman reverse designs

The Propaganda Messages of Rome

Roman reverse designs weren't random art—they were carefully chosen messages about imperial virtues, military victories, religious piety, and political stability.

9A) Common Deities & Personifications

⚡
Jupiter

Attributes: Thunderbolt, eagle, scepter
Message: Supreme authority, divine support for emperor
Common Legend: IOVI CONSERVATORI

🦉
Minerva

Attributes: Helmet, spear, owl, aegis
Message: Wisdom, strategic warfare
Common Legend: MINERVA AVG

🏆
Victory

Attributes: Wings, wreath, palm branch
Message: Military success, imperial triumph
Common Legend: VICTORIA AVG

🕊️
Pax

Attributes: Olive branch, scepter, cornucopia
Message: Peace, prosperity under emperor
Common Legend: PAX AVGVSTI

Common Military Themes

⚔️
Mars

Attributes: Spear, shield, helmet
Message: Military might, readiness for war
Common Legend: MARTI PACIFERO

🏹
Virtus

Attributes: Military attire, spear, parazonium
Message: Courage, manly virtue
Common Legend: VIRTVS AVG

🎖️
Military Trophy

Attributes: Armor pile, captives at base
Message: Victory over specific enemy
Common Legend: DE BRITANNIS, DE GERMANIS

🛡️
Standards

Attributes: Military standards (aquila, signa)
Message: Army loyalty, restored discipline
Common Legend: FIDES EXERCITVS

9B) Common Objects & Buildings

🏛️
Temples

Appearance: Front view with columns, statue inside
Message: Piety, building programs
Common Legend: AED DIVI AVG (Temple of Divine Augustus)

🎪
Altars

Appearance: Decorated altar, sometimes burning
Message: Religious devotion, sacrifices
Common Legend: VOTA PVBLICA (public vows)

🌿
Cornucopia

Appearance: Horn of plenty overflowing
Message: Abundance, prosperity
Common Legend: FELICITAS TEMPORVM

🌍
Globe

Appearance: Sphere often held by Victory or emperor
Message: World dominion, universal rule
Common Legend: VICTORIA OMNIVM GENTIVM

Reverse Type Finder

Search for a reverse type above. Try: Victory, Mars, Temple, Altar, Eagle, etc.

For complete reverse type reference:

Complete Roman Reverse Types Guide
🌐

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS (THE #1 CONFUSION POINT)

How to identify and understand provincial Roman coinage

When Roman Coins Speak Greek

Many "Roman coins" found by beginners are actually provincial issues—coins struck in Greek-speaking provinces under Roman authority but with local characteristics.

How to Spot Provincial Coinage

🇬🇷
Greek Legends

Instead of: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG
You see: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟΣ
Key: Greek letters = likely provincial

🏙️
Local City Names

Look for: City ethnics in Greek
Examples: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΩΝ (Alexandria), ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ (Antioch)
Note: Often in genitive plural (-ΩΝ ending)

🎭
Unusual Portrait Styles

Characteristics: Less refined, local artistic traditions
Example: Egyptian-style portraits on Alexandrian coins
Tip: Compare to known imperial portrait style

🏛️
Local Gods & Symbols

Instead of: Standard Roman deities
You see: Local city gods, regional symbols
Example: Pharos lighthouse (Alexandria), river gods

Provincial Coin Identification Workflow

1
Identify Emperor Portrait

Even with Greek legend, portrait usually follows imperial style. Match to known emperor portraits first.

2
Read Greek Legend

Transcribe all Greek letters. Look for ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ (autokrator = imperator) and city names.

3
Identify City from Legend

Match city ethnic to known provincial mints: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΩΝ = Alexandria, etc.

4
Confirm Region via Style

Egyptian, Syrian, Asian styles have distinct characteristics. Use regional style guides.

Major Provincial Mint Examples

Alexandria, Egypt

Legend: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΩΝ
Portrait: Often Egyptian style
Reverse: Local gods, Nile, Pharos lighthouse
Denomination: Tetradrachm (Greek standard)
Period: Augustus to Diocletian

Antioch, Syria

Legend: ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ
Portrait: More Romanized style
Reverse: Tyche of Antioch, local cults
Denomination: Various bronzes, some silver
Period: Extensive imperial period

Ephesus, Asia

Legend: ΕΦΕΣΙΩΝ
Portrait: Standard imperial style
Reverse: Artemis of Ephesus, bee symbols
Denomination: Cistophori, local bronzes
Period: Republican to imperial

Resources for Provincial Coin Identification

Greek Coins Guide (for reading Greek) Roman Provincial Coins Guide
🕵️

FAKES, CASTS, TOOLING & CLEANING DAMAGE

Protection chapter to avoid costly mistakes

The Reality of Fake Roman Coins

With rising prices for Roman coins, fakes have become increasingly sophisticated. Learn to recognize common forgery techniques and protect your collection.

12A) Cast Fake Signs

🫧
Bubbles & Pitting

Appearance: Tiny holes or bubbles on surface
Cause: Air trapped during casting process
Check: Use 10x magnifier on flat areas

🧵
Seam Lines

Appearance: Raised line around edge (mold seam)
Cause: Two-part mold imperfection
Check: Examine entire circumference

🍦
Mushy Details

Appearance: Soft, rounded lettering and features
Cause: Loss of sharpness during casting
Check: Compare to known genuine examples

🔄
Identical Repeats

Appearance: Exact match to other coins online
Cause: Same mold used multiple times
Check: Reverse image search on Google

12B) Tooled/Smoothed Coins

✏️
Re-carved Legends

Appearance: Legends deeper/sharpener than wear level
Cause: Enhancing worn inscriptions
Check: Tool marks in letter crevices

✨
Unnatural Surfaces

Appearance: Too smooth, lacks original flow lines
Cause: Over-cleaning or artificial patina
Check: Compare wear patterns holistically

🔠
Perfect Letters on Worn Coin

Appearance: Sharp legends but worn portrait
Cause: Selective enhancement of valuable elements
Check: Consistency of wear across coin

12C) Cleaning Mistakes

🔪
Harsh Abrasion

Appearance: Scratches, loss of detail
Cause: Steel wool, harsh brushes
Result: Permanent damage, value loss

🧪
Chemical Stripping

Appearance: Pitted, etched surfaces
Cause: Acid cleaning
Result: Destroys original surfaces

💡
Unnatural "Bright" Look

Appearance: Shiny silver/gold unnatural for age
Cause: Over-cleaning to attract buyers
Tip: Ancient coins should look ancient

12D) Safe-Buy Rules for Roman Coins

🏢
Reputable Sellers

Buy from established dealers with verifiable track records. Check vcoins.com, MA-Shops, or major auction houses.

⚖️
Weight/Diameter Provided

Legitimate sellers always provide exact measurements. Lack of specifications is a red flag.

↩️
Return Policy

Only buy from sellers offering at least a 14-day return policy for authenticity issues.

📸
Clear Photos

Demand high-resolution photos of both sides and edge. Blurry or limited photos suggest hiding flaws.

Quick Fake Check Tool

Select warning signs and run check to see risk assessment.

For comprehensive fake detection guide:

Complete Roman Coin Fake Detection Guide Ancient Coin Fakes Guide
🧰

COLLECTOR TOOLKIT (WHAT TO USE)

Essential tools for proper Roman coin identification and handling

The Professional Roman Coin Collector's Setup

Proper tools not only make identification easier but also protect your coins from damage. Here's what every serious Roman coin collector needs.

⚖️
Digital Scale

Specs: 0.01g precision, 100g+ capacity
Why: Most important tool for Roman coin identification
Use: Record exact weight for denomination determination
Tip: Calibrate regularly for accuracy

📏
Digital Calipers

Specs: 0.01mm precision, 0-150mm range
Why: Accurate diameter measurement critical for AE series
Use: Measure maximum diameter, check for irregularities
Tip: Measure worn coins at multiple points

🔍
Magnifier (10x)

Types: Loupe, head magnifier, or digital microscope
Why: Essential for reading worn legends, checking mint marks
Use: Examine exergue details, check for tooling
Tip: Good lighting is as important as magnification

💡
Neutral Lighting

Types: LED ring light, daylight balanced lamp
Why: Proper lighting reveals details and true surfaces
Use: Angled lighting for relief, flat for surfaces
Tip: Avoid fluorescent lighting (distorts colors)

📦
Safe Storage

Options: Mylar flips, archival trays, PVC-free holders
Why: Protect from environmental damage and PVC corrosion
Use: Store individually, label clearly, climate control
Warning: NEVER use PVC flips (cause green corrosion)

📷
Photo Setup

Basic: Smartphone with macro lens, simple lightbox
Advanced: DSLR with macro lens, copy stand
Why: Documentation, identification help, insurance
Tip: Include scale reference in all photos

Recommended Toolkit (Affiliate Section)

⚖️
Precision Scale

0.01g accuracy, perfect for Roman coin weights

View on Amazon
🔍
10x Magnifier

LED illuminated loupe for detailed examination

View on Amazon
📦
Archival Flips

PVC-free mylar coin holders, 100 pack

View on Amazon

Proper Roman Coin Handling Guidelines

👐
Clean Hands or Gloves

Always handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves. Oils and acids from skin damage surfaces over time.

🎯
Hold by Edges

Never touch the portrait or reverse surfaces. Hold coins by the edges to prevent wear on high points.

🛡️
Soft Surface Below

Always examine coins over a soft pad or felt surface to prevent damage if dropped.

❌
Never Force Clean

Only professional conservation for valuable coins. Most "cleaning" destroys value and historical surfaces.

📤

"IDENTIFY MY ROMAN COIN" SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

What to provide when asking for identification help

Getting the Best Identification Help

When asking experts or online communities to identify your Roman coin, providing complete information dramatically increases your chances of accurate attribution.

1
Obverse Photo

Requirements: Sharp, well-lit, centered
Tip: Use macro mode, avoid glare
Common Mistake: Blurry or shadowed portrait

2
Reverse Photo

Requirements: Include entire exergue area
Tip: Angle lighting to show relief
Key: Mint marks in exergue must be visible

3
Edge Photo (if possible)

Why: Shows tooling, seam lines, plating
Tip: Roll coin to show entire circumference
For: Suspicious coins or high-value pieces

4
Exact Weight

Format: __.__ grams (two decimal places)
Why: Critical for denomination determination
Without: Identification is guesswork

5
Maximum Diameter

Format: __ mm (millimeters)
How: Measure across widest point
Note: Worn coins may measure smaller

6
Metal Guess

Options: Gold, silver, bronze, billon
Tip: Magnet test for silver vs base metal
Note: Late Roman "silver" often debased

7
Where Found (Optional)

Information: Country, region, context
Why: Helps with mint/provincial attribution
Privacy: Be as specific as comfortable

Roman Coin Photography Guide

💡
Lighting Setup

Use two lights at 45° angles to eliminate shadows. Daylight LED bulbs provide most accurate color.

🎯
Focus on Details

Take separate close-ups of legend areas and mint marks if main photo doesn't show them clearly.

📐
Include Scale

Place a ruler or coin of known size next to your coin for size reference in photos.

Copy/Paste Submission Template

Where to Get Roman Coin Identification Help

👥
Online Forums

Examples: CoinCommunity, Forvm Ancient Coins
Pros: Free, community expertise
Cons: Variable response quality

🏛️
Professional Services

Examples: NGC/PCGS attribution, dealer consultation
Pros: Expert, authoritative
Cons: Cost, turnaround time

🔍
NumisDon Community

How: Use our identification form below
Pros: Specialized in Roman coins
Feature: Direct expert review

Need Help Identifying Your Roman Coin?

Submit your coin to our Roman coin experts using the checklist above.

Submit for Identification

Master Roman Coin Identification

You now have the complete system: 60-second sorting test, 10 data points checklist, legend decoder, denomination finder, mint mark guide, reverse type glossary, and fake protection.

Explore Roman Coins Ancient Coin ID Hub Roman Coin Values

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