How to Identify Roman Coins – A Real Collector’s Guide

Ever held a Roman coin and thought, “Okay… who’s this guy?”
Or maybe you spotted a worn letter like “SPQR” and wondered if it meant anything (spoiler: it definitely does).

Whether you’re new to collecting or you’ve got a shoebox of mystery coins you’re trying to sort, this guide is here to help. No jargon. No fluff. Just straight-up tips from one collector to another on how to identify Roman coins, figure out if they’re real, and understand what they might be worth.

🔍 What’s on a Roman Coin?

Roman coins might look small, but they’re packed with clues. Once you know how to read them, you can figure out a lot—from who minted it to where, and even why.

👤 The Portrait (Obverse)

This is usually the front of the coin, showing the head or bust of a Roman emperor, empress, or sometimes a deity.

If there’s a bearded man with a laurel crown—probably a later emperor like Marcus Aurelius.
A clean-shaven face with a serious jawline? Maybe Augustus or one of the early guys.
If you’re lucky and see a female portrait, could be Faustina, Julia Domna, or another imperial lady.

✍️ The Letters Around the Portrait (Inscriptions)

These Latin inscriptions are super helpful. They tell you who’s featured, their titles, and often how important they thought they were.

Some common abbreviations:

IMP = Imperator (military leader)
AVG = Augustus (the emperor)
PONT MAX = High priest
TR P = Tribune of the people
COS = Consul

You don’t need to memorize all of them, just know they’re not random—they’re titles stacked in a weird Roman résumé.

🏛️ The Back (Reverse)

Flip it over. The reverse usually tells the emperor’s story:

A god handing him a globe = divine favor
A goddess of victory = bragging rights for winning a war
A soldier dragging a captive = straight-up propaganda

This is where you see Roman pride in action.

🪙 Types of Roman Coins (with Real Examples)

Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about the types. Roman coins came in different metals, designs, and vibes depending on the time period.

🥇 Imperial Coins (27 BC – AD 476)

These are the most common coins collectors see—coins with emperors’ portraits and often lots of power messaging.

Example:
A gold aureus of Emperor Nero, with “NERO CAESAR AVG” on the front and a temple on the back. Pure imperial flex.

🛡️ Republican Coins (509 BC – 27 BC)

Before emperors took over, Roman coins had more gods, myth, and stories about military victories. These are usually silver and don’t have emperor faces—until Julius Caesar broke the rule.

Example:
A denarius showing the Dioscuri twins (the horse guys), and “ROMA” stamped below. Clean, simple, ancient.

🌍 Provincial Coins

Rome was huge. Local mints in places like Egypt, Syria, and Gaul made their own coins, often in Greek instead of Latin.

Example:
A silver tetradrachm from Alexandria with Emperor Hadrian on the front and a crocodile on the back. Yeah, seriously.

🔎 Is It Real? Spotting Fakes

There are a lot of good fakes out there—and some really bad ones. Here’s how to tell.

🛠️ Struck vs. Cast

Original Roman coins were struck by hand. Most fakes are cast in molds.

Cast coins often have small bubbles, soft features, or visible seam lines.
Real coins have crisper detail and subtle differences due to hand striking.

🧪 Surface & Weight

If it feels weirdly light (or heavy), check against a known coin type.
Use a magnifier—real coins show strike lines and uneven pressure.
Fakes are often too perfect or have modern tool marks.

🧠 Use Databases

Compare your coin to examples on:

You’d be amazed how often someone already uploaded a match.

⚖️ What’s It Worth? Grading & Value Basics

Roman coin values depend a lot on condition, metal, and who’s on it. Grading isn’t as rigid as modern coins, but here’s a rough scale:

Grade	Description
FDC (Mint state)	Perfectly preserved – museum-worthy
EF (Extremely Fine)	Minor wear, full detail
VF (Very Fine)	Good detail, some wear
F (Fine)	Noticeable wear, still readable
G (Good)	Heavily worn, details faded

💰 Example:
A VF denarius of Augustus might go for $300+.
The same coin in G condition? Maybe $60–80.

📋 Fast Checklist: How to ID a Roman Coin

Look at the portrait – Emperor or deity?
Read the legend – Spot names and titles
Flip it over – Look for symbols, gods, or victory scenes
Check the metal – Silver, bronze, or gold?
Measure & weigh it – Does it match the usual specs?
Check references – Wildwinds or a good coin book
Ask an expert – Forums or trusted dealers

📥 Free Download: Roman Coin ID Chart

Want a handy cheat sheet with coin types, abbreviations, emperor names, symbols, and value ranges?

🎁 [Download the Roman Coin Identification Chart – Free PDF]
Print it, use it at coin shows, or keep it saved on your phone.

🛡️ Bonus Tips for Collectors

Avoid random eBay listings with no photo or blurry pics
Buy from known dealers or auction houses with a good rep
Never clean your coins! It destroys value
Keep coins in non-PVC flips or archival-safe holders
Track your purchases and where they came from

🤔 FAQ Corner

What does SPQR mean on a Roman coin?
It means Senatus Populusque Romanus — “The Senate and People of Rome.” Basically, it was their way of branding government authority.

Can Roman coins be valuable?
Yes! Common bronze coins might be worth $10–$50. Silver denarii range from $80 to $500+. Rare gold coins? Sky’s the limit.

How do I know if a coin is real?
Check the weight, design, and surface. Compare it to real examples online. If in doubt, ask for expert help or certification.

Where can I get coins authenticated?
Services like NGC Ancients or PCGS can grade and authenticate your coin. You can also post in numismatic forums and ask seasoned collectors.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Roman coins aren’t just collectibles—they’re slices of empire, frozen in time. And once you get the hang of reading them, they become addictive.

So take your time. Use this guide. Download the chart. And most importantly, enjoy the hunt. Because there’s nothing like holding a piece of real Roman history in your hand.