Roman coins were not just a means of paying for goods. The obverse of the coins portrayed the ruling Emperor's face. The reverse of the coins were used to communicate great events or to promote the status of the Emperor to his people. For example, the Emperor may have depicted a god that had attributes with which he wished to be associated. The coins were circulated throughout the Empire bringing news, perhaps of events that had taken place far away.

The cover image is from a mosaic and shows gladiators and magisters or trainers. Gladiators were trainedwarriors who fought bloody battles to entertain the ancient Romans. These battles took place in an arena surrounded by seats, called an amphitheatre and were usually fought until one was killed. The gladiators shown on the mosaic are secutors with a helmet and a shield and a retiarius with a net and trident.

This reproduction denarius coin is made from lead-free pewter and is supplied on a waxed cord. The coin has the Emperor's name and an elephant trampling a serpent on one side (representing the conquest of Gaul by Caesar) and a simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priests hat on the other. The information card is full colour on the front and has historical information on the reverse.