Roman Imperial Coins May 2026

To identify a specific coin, you can use these major databases and references: How to Read Roman Imperial Coins-and what we get from them

Roman currency was based on a system of gold, silver, and bronze/copper.

High-value coins, often featuring refined portraits of the Emperor. Roman Imperial Coins

Roman legends use common abbreviations to save space. Identifying these is key to dating the coin. Title for the Emperor. CAES (Caesar): Often used for the heir or junior emperor. IMP (Imperator): Victorious general. P M (Pontifex Maximus): High priest of Rome.

The standard silver coin for centuries until replaced by the Antoninianus (double denarius). To identify a specific coin, you can use

Includes the Sestertius (large), Dupondius (medium), and As (small).

Displays diverse imagery like gods, personifications (e.g., Victory, Fortune), military victories, or public works. Identifying these is key to dating the coin

Tribunitian power, renewed annually and used to date the coin.