![]() At the beginning of the 3rd century, the bronze masses took a more regular shape if their weight remains unfixed, it is at least engraved on them (Aes signatum).Īt last, in 289 B.C., the Aes grave (heavy ore) appeared, a real currency having the shape of a bronze disc, weighing a pound (324 grams), which was divided into 2 semis, or 3 triens, or 4 quadrans, or 6 sextans, or 12 uncias (ounces). The first markings represented cattle - what remembers the initial barter - or weapons. They then started to build up a system based on bronze ingots, the Aes rude (rough ore), which had neither a fixed weight nor a precise shape, and none of the marks which define a currency. Until 400 B.C., the Romans practised barter often based on the “heads of cattle”, though knowing the Greek currencies. It remained unaffected by devaluation until the 11th century, under the Comneni, an extraordinary seven centuries stability. In the 4th century, Diocletian tried in vain to revalue the silver and bronze currencies, but Constantin Ist managed to create a stable system based on the solidus of 4,5 grams gold, which will kept its stability from the Eastern Roman empire to the Byzantine empire, where it was called nomisma. The political and economic crises of the 3rd century resulted in an inflation which lead to a collapse of the currencies’ value. The coinage of the Roman Republic began with some silver currencies allowing to trade with the Greek colonies of southern Italy, and also especially with large cast bronze coins in central Italy where this resource was more common.Īt the beginning of the Roman Empire, under Augustus, appeared also gold coinage. It however appeared late, in comparison with other countries of this area. The Roman coinage extends over a whole millenium (from the 4th century B.C to the 5th century A.D.) and on all the Mediterranean area. Lastly, since this coinage has been thoroughly studied, you may rely on precise guides to improve your knowledge on this field. It is worth mentioning that many coins are affordable for little money, and - for treasure hunters - that it is not at all unusual to find some in the French countryside, with the satisfaction of saying “I found it by myself” (but keep in mind that the use of the metal detectors is generally prohibited !). Many collectors however make the best of it, while limiting themselves to a particular aspect such as the portraits of emperors – which are often of great quality - the production of one city, the mythological characters on coins, etc. 3.25g, 19.7mm.A field like the Roman coinage is immense, for its duration (one millenium) as well as for its geographical extent (all the Mediterranean area) and for the variety of its production. From an old Swiss collection, purchased in the 60s/70s (with original ticket)Ħ. NABATAEAN KINGDOM, Malichus II (AD 40-70). 1.0g, 12.1mm.įacing lion scalp / Triskeles with astragalos symbolĢ. All coins stored in their own individual archival quality PVC-free flips.ġ. An excellent group to start a collection, or to add to an established ond.Įach coin accompanied with printed tag containing measurements, attribution, and historical notes. Various ancient cities and rulers are represented amongst two silver and five bronze coins. A diverse and interesting group lot comprising 7 Greek and Roman coins spanning the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD.
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