Roman Coin Values: A Collector’s Guide to Pricing Ancient Currency
By NumisHaven
💭 So… What’s a Roman Coin Really Worth?
Let’s be honest — if you’ve ever held a dusty denarius or a chunky sestertius in your hand, the first thought that crosses your mind is: “Is this worth anything?”
It’s a good question — and the answer is: it depends.
Some Roman coins are worth less than a cheap coffee. Others? They’ve sold for the price of a car… or even a house.
But don’t worry — whether you’re new to collecting or trying to figure out what’s in your granddad’s box, this guide will walk you through what really affects a Roman coin’s value.
🧭 What Actually Affects the Value of a Roman Coin?
🪙 1. The Metal
This is the first thing most people notice.
- Gold (Aureus): These are the showstoppers. Think $2,000 to $50,000+ at auctions.
- Silver (Denarius): Solid middle ground. You’ll find these anywhere from $30 to $2,000.
- Bronze (Sestertius, As, Dupondius): More affordable, but still collectible — usually $5 to $300.
🧠 Quick tip: A shiny coin doesn’t always mean it’s valuable. Some of the rarest coins are dark, rough, and humble-looking.
👑 2. Who’s on the Coin?
Not all emperors are created equal.
- Popular guys like Augustus, Trajan, and Hadrian? High demand.
- Short-reign emperors like Pertinax or Macrinus? Super rare — and pricey if authentic.
A well-known emperor + good condition = solid value.
But a rare emperor in bad condition? Still valuable to the right collector.
🪞 3. Coin Condition (This Matters a Lot)
Grading isn’t just snobbery — it seriously affects value.
| Grade | What it Means | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| VF (Very Fine) | Moderate wear | Normal base price |
| EF (Extremely Fine) | Sharp detail | 1.5–2x |
| UNC (Uncirculated) | No wear | 3x to 5x or more |
Collectors pay for detail — especially facial features, inscriptions, and reverse art.
🔍 4. Rarity & Mint Marks
- Unique symbols?
- Coins minted in short periods (e.g., during civil wars)?
- Reverse types with historical scenes?
These boost value fast. Some collectors chase obscure reverse images like a dog chasing a frisbee.
📊 Roman Coin Value Examples (Realistic Ranges)
| Coin Type | Common Emperor | Average Value (VF) | Rare Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denarius | Trajan | $50 – $250 | $1,200+ |
| Sestertius | Hadrian | $30 – $150 | $700+ |
| Aureus (Gold) | Nero | $2,000 – $10,000+ | $50,000+ |
| Republican Silver | Anonymous | $25 – $150 | $1,000+ |
| As / Dupondius | Marcus Aurelius | $15 – $75 | $300+ |
📝 Want the full version? You’ll be able to download a complete PDF value chart soon.
🔦 How to Check a Coin’s Value (Without Guessing)
You don’t need to be a historian. Here’s where serious collectors look:
- Auction Houses: CNG, Roma, Heritage
- Dealers: VCoins, MA-Shops
- Coin Forums: CoinTalk, NumisForums
- Reference Books: Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC)
- Sites: WildWinds, CoinArchives
👉 Bonus tip: Google the coin’s reverse image, not just the emperor — rarities are often on the back.
📷 Real Coins + Real Prices
| Coin | What It Was | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nero Aureus | Gold coin, laureate bust | $8,500 |
| Republican Denarius | Roma bust & Dioscuri reverse | $110 |
| Hadrian Sestertius | High-relief “Restitutor Orbis” type | $520 |
| Denarius of Septimius Severus | Rome mint, Victory reverse | $95 |
🎯 For New Collectors: What to Buy (and Avoid)
🟢 Start with:
- Common silver denarii (great value, tons of variety)
- Coins with legible inscriptions and portraits
🔴 Avoid:
- Over-polished or “too shiny” coins (often cleaned or fake)
- Any “ancient coin lot” from sketchy eBay sellers
📥 Download the Roman Coin Value Guide (Coming Soon)
We’re preparing a beautiful, downloadable PDF version with:
- Full price tables
- Grading visuals
- Emperor value tiers
- Tips for spotting fakes
🎁 Want it free? Join our email list here and get notified when it’s ready.
🧩 Related Articles from NumisHaven
- Early Roman Republican Coins: A Collector’s Window Into a Restless Young Rome
- How to Identify Ancient Coins
- Ancient Coin Grading: Beginner’s Breakdown
🧠 Final Thoughts
Roman coins are like time machines — each one tells a story, and some of them are worth a lot more than you think. Whether you’re building a serious collection or just exploring history through metal, knowing the value behind the coin adds a whole new layer of meaning.
Got a coin you’re curious about?
📧 Drop us a message at info@numishaven.com — we love helping collectors.