Denarius
The denarius is one of the most important coin denominations of antiquity and had a formative influence on coinage in Europe for centuries. Originally introduced in the Roman Republic, the denarius was minted as a silver coin from around 211 BC and served as the central means of payment throughout the Roman Empire. Its name is derived from the Latin word denarius, meaning ‘ten’ – originally, one denarius was worth ten asses. This ratio changed later with various currency reforms, but the denarius remained the economic backbone of the Roman monetary system.
In a numismatic context, the denarius is of particular interest because it not only had a long life, but also offers a wealth of insights into the political, economic and religious development of the Roman world. The obverse of the denarii usually bore the portrait of a ruler, making them important sources for the iconographic representation of Roman emperors.
The reverse sides were often used for political propaganda, displaying symbols of military success, divine legitimacy or the moral virtues of the ruler.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the denarius remained a defining element of European coinage systems. In the Middle Ages, the denarius continued to be used in many regions of Europe, mostly in the form of the penny. In France as the ‘denier’, in England as the “penny” and in German-speaking countries as the ‘pfennig’, the Roman denarius system lived on in a modified form. Even in the Carolingian period, the denarius served as the basis for the Carolingian coinage system: 12 denarii made 1 schilling, 20 schillings made 1 pound.
Numismatists value denarii not only for their historical significance, but also for the artistic design of many of the coins. Especially in the early imperial period, they display impressive quality and attention to detail. In addition, their places of discovery and minting sites allow us to reconstruct extensive trade relations and economic networks.
The denarius symbolises stability and continuity in ancient and medieval coinage. Its reception over many centuries underlines its central role in the monetary history of Europe. For collectors and historians, the denarius is a fascinating testimony to the ancient monetary economy – a small piece of silver with a great past.