Roman Imperial Coins – The Complete Collector’s Guide

The first Roman Imperial coin I ever bought wasn’t a gold aureus or a famous denarius — it was a bronze sestertius of Hadrian. The portrait wasn’t perfect; the edges were worn. But there he was, the bearded emperor, staring across almost two millennia straight into my palm.

That’s the beauty of Roman Imperial coins: they are portraits in metal, chronicling the faces, ambitions, and propaganda of emperors from Augustus to the fall of the West.

From Republic to Empire

When Augustus (then Octavian) became the first emperor in 27 BCE, coinage shifted from celebrating the Republic’s ideals to broadcasting the emperor’s image and achievements. Coins became the ancient world’s newsfeed — announcing military victories, public works, or even imperial family members.

Every emperor, from the famous to the obscure, left a legacy in metal.

The Main Denominations

• Aureus – Gold, high value, often reserved for large payments and state affairs.

• Denarius – Silver, the workhorse coin of the Empire’s economy.

• Sestertius – Large bronze coin, ideal for impressive designs and inscriptions.

• As, Dupondius, Quadrans – Smaller bronze and copper issues for daily transactions.

• Antoninianus – Introduced in the 3rd century CE, a double denarius (though gradually debased).

Design Themes

Imperial coins often featured:

• Portraits – Detailed busts of the emperor, empress, or heirs.

• Deities and Personifications – Roma, Victory, Jupiter, and others.

• Military Triumphs – Captives, trophies, and victorious generals.

• Public Works – Bridges, aqueducts, temples, and monuments.

• Political Messages – Peace, prosperity, and imperial power.

Why Collect Roman Imperial Coins?

• Portrait Gallery of History – From Augustus to Romulus Augustulus.

• Massive Variety – Thousands of types and mints across centuries.

• Accessibility – Common emperors like Constantine can be collected affordably.

• Historical Connection – Coins link directly to events, reforms, and personalities.

Collector Tips

• Start with common emperors to learn the styles and legends.

• Pay attention to the obverse and reverse legends — they help date and identify the coin.

• Don’t underestimate bronze coins; many have stunning patinas.

• Provenance and authenticity matter most for rarer emperors and high-value gold issues.

(Read our [Authentication Guide] – link placeholder)

Value Factors

• Emperor Rarity – Coins of short-reigned emperors can be rare and valuable.

• Condition – Portrait detail and readable legends are critical.

• Metal – Gold aurei are top-tier, followed by silver denarii and bronze sestertii.

• Historical Importance – Coins tied to major events or reforms often carry a premium.

Caring for Imperial Coins

• Store individually in inert holders or capsules.

• Keep away from cleaning agents; original patina is part of the value.

• Handle by the edges, preferably over a soft surface.

(Read our [Preservation & Storage Guide] – link placeholder)

Notable Examples

• Aureus of Augustus – Early gold coin of the first emperor.

• Denarius of Trajan – Celebrating the Dacian conquest.

• Sestertius of Hadrian – Showing the empire’s great building projects.

• Antoninianus of Aurelian – Marking the reunification of the empire.

(See our [Coin Gallery] – link placeholder)

Where to Find Them

Reputable ancient coin dealers, major auction houses, and well-vetted online sellers are the best sources. Many collectors build their Imperial set slowly, emperor by emperor.

(Browse our [Roman Imperial Coin Collection] – link placeholder)

Final Thoughts

Roman Imperial coins are history’s most enduring portraits. Whether you’re holding a gold aureus that once paid a general or a humble bronze that bought a loaf of bread, each is a piece of the empire at its peak — and its decline.

Start with one emperor, and before long, you’ll find yourself chasing the full story, coin by coin.