(Jul 14, 2017)
|
Item Information
|
|---|
| |
|---|
| More info |
|---|
and they considered the institution of minted money a significant feature of that culture
It measured about 160 by 90 millimetres (6.3 by 3.5 in) and weighed around 1,500 to 1,600 grams (53 to 56 oz), being made out of a highly leaded tin bronze
While the emperor is by far the most frequent portrait on the obverse of coins, heirs apparent, predecessors, and other family members, such as empresses, were also featured
Unlike the obverse, which during the imperial period almost always featured a portrait, the reverse was far more varied in its depiction
Some of these reverse images can clearly be classified as propaganda
Although it is difficult to make accurate generalizations about reverse imagery, as this was something that varied by emperor, some trends do exist
Value and composition
However, while the gold and silver issues contained precious metals, the value of a coin was slightly higher than its precious metal content, so they were not, strictly speaking, bullion
Although the value of these tetradrachmas can be reckoned as being equivalent in value to the denarius, their precious metal content was always much lower
The reverse type was equally universal, featuring the spirit (or genius) of the Romans
The reverse types of coins of the late Empire emphasized general themes, and discontinued the more specific personifications depicted previously
The reverse types featured legends that proclaimed the glory of Rome, the glory of the army, victory against the "barbarians", the restoration of happy times, and the greatness of the emperor
When introduced, the denarius contained nearly pure silver at a theoretical weight of approximately 4.5 grams
As the number of antoniniani minted increased, the number of denarii minted decreased, until the denarius ceased to be minted in significant quantities by the middle of the third century
During this time the aureus remained slightly more stable, before it too became smaller and more base (lower gold content and higher base metal content) before Diocletian's reform
The exact relationship and denomination of the bronze issues of a variety of sizes is not known, and is believed to have fluctuated heavily on the market
|
|
| Do you know more info?
|
