How to Identify Imperial Roman Coins
Imperial Rome lasted from 27 B.C. to about 500 A.D., from the reign of Caesar Augustus to the end of the reign of Romulus Augustus in 476 A.D. During this time, a plethora of coins were issued during each leader's time ruling the empire. Although most coins follow the same basic format and markings, learning about distinctions in metal used, pictures on the front (obverse) of the coins, and markings on the back can help you identify Roman coins faster and spot valuable coins before contacting an appraiser.
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Things You'll Need
- Magnifying glass
- Coin collector's price guide with photos
- Coin inspection lamp
Instructions
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Learn the basics of recognizing Imperial Roman coins. Roman coins, regardless of the era in which they appeared, contain a bust or profile of the emperor of the time on the obverse. Letters indicating his name, mint marks and other information may be included here. The reverse of the coins often shows a full portrait of the emperor, a wreath, a building, an animal or stars.
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Check out early Imperial Roman coins. During the era of the "Twelve Caesars," coinage was crudely produced, with a bust of the emperor on the front surrounded by lettering. Because many of these ancient coins bear features dimmed by time and weather, familiarize yourself with the portrait and facial features of the emperor. The earliest coins of Augustus' reign (27 B.C. to 14 A.D.) featured a plain bust of the leader, with the hair and long nose being the only easily identifiable parts of the etching. Each succeeding emperor has distinctive features. Vespasian has a short neck and what appear to be jowls, and Titus and Domitian wear a laurel or head covering.
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Notice coins picturing Constantine and his heirs. Money issued during the reign of Constantine the Great ( A,D. 320-337), often have a greenish tint due to age and wear. The coin with Constantine's head on the obverse in profile was made from copper and silver. It has a double-turreted gate and a star on the reverse. A coin featuring the head of Constantius II on the obverse wearing a laurel, and the letters "Fl Ivl Nob C" on the front with a star above a gate with two turrets, is similar to the coin described above except that it was made from copper and just a tiny bit of silver. Julius Crispus, Constantine I's firstborn son, also has a laureate profile of his head on the obverse, with the letters "Caesarvm Nostrorvm, Vot X" circling the wreath on the reverse of this pure bronze coin.
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Investigate Imperial Roman coins focusing on Constantine's rivals. The rare bronze coin issued with Licinius I on the obverse has a trophy between his bust and the bust of Licinius II with the letters "Dd Nn Iovii Licinni Invict Avg Et Caes" circling it. The reverse picture is a standing figure of the god Jupiter wearing a cloak and holding a scepter.
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Look at coins featuring Constantine's cousin. The Julian as Augustus bronze coin has a draped bust on the front with the letters "D N Cl Ivli Anvs-Avg." The reverse of this rare piece shows the ruler holding a globe in one hand and a spear in the other.
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Tips & Warnings
Note that there may be several versions of coins with a particular emperor on the obverse, each with slightly different lettering and pictures.
