Roman Coin Pack - Roman Coin Collection

Product History

Making A Roman Coin

Preparing a Blank Coin - The moneyer first prepared the chosen metal alloy for the coin that was to be minted. Gold, silver and copper alloy were usually used for coins.

Manufacturing of Coin Dies - The design of the coin was cut into the surface of a die. One die was needed for the "head" side or obverse and one for the "tail" side or reverse side.

Striking a Coin - A heated blank coin was placed between two dies, supported on an anvil and the upper die was then struck once with a heavy hammer. The minting of coins was normally done by hand. Coins were regularly recalled and melted down to make new issues of coins.

Roman Coins

In the days before television, radio and newspapers, getting information around such a large area as the Roman Empire was no easy matter. Coins were a good way of getting various ideas and propaganda across to the general populace.

Firstly, the obverse of the coin portrayed the ruling emperor's face. This was useful in getting across what the emperor looked like. Some emperors also put members of their family on coins.

Most of the information was on the reverse of the coin. Deities of the Roman Pantheon appeared frequently on the reverse of the Roman Coins. They were used when the emperor wanted to be associated with an attribute of the deity e.g. Minerva Pacifera (bringer of the peace).

Animals and Mythological beasts occur quite commonly on Roman Coins. Some animals appeared because they were connected with a deity. On the Denarius of Augustus in this set there is a Capricorn on the reverse side. This signifies his birth sign. Other animals were used to show strength or courage.

Buildings are not commonly shown on Roman Coins. Temples frequently appeared on the coins of Nero and Antoninus Pius. Military buildings were also depicted.

The letters SC were also found on the reverse of Roman Coins. This meant Senatus Consulto (with authority of, or be decree of, the Senate).

Early Empire Denomination

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