The Roman denarius is one of the most important coins in history. First struck in 211 BC during the Second Punic War, this small silver coin would go on to become the standard currency of the Roman Republic and Empire for over four centuries.
Origins
The word "denarius" comes from the Latin deni, meaning "containing ten" — originally, a denarius was worth ten asses, the basic copper unit of Roman currency. The coin was introduced as Rome struggled to fund its war against Hannibal, needing a reliable silver currency to pay its legions.
The Republican Denarius
During the Republic (509-27 BC), the denarius evolved from a simple, utilitarian coin into a vehicle for political messaging. Roman magistrates who oversaw the mint (tresviri monetales) used the coins to promote their families' achievements and ancestral glory.
The Imperial Denarius
Under the Empire, the denarius became the emperor's personal propaganda tool. Each new emperor marked his reign with coins bearing his portrait — often the only image of the emperor that ordinary citizens would ever see.
Legacy
The influence of the denarius extends far beyond Rome. The word "denarius" gave us the abbreviation "d" for the old British penny, and words for money in dozens of languages: dinero in Spanish, dinar in Arabic, denier in French.
Related Coins
Explore coins from the era and civilization discussed in this article in our catalog.