Ancient Roman Currency Converter

Currency Converter

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Conversion Rates:

• 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii = 100 Sestertii = 400 Asses
• 1 Denarius = 4 Sestertii = 16 Asses
• 1 Sestertius = 4 Asses

The Roman Monetary System

The Roman Empire established one of history's most sophisticated currency systems, with coins produced in gold, silver, and bronze.

Aureus

The gold coin of ancient Rome, introduced around 1st century BCE. Worth 25 denarii, it was primarily used for major transactions, savings, and paying military officers.

Weight: Approximately 8 grams

Denarius

The standard silver coin, introduced around 211 BCE. It was the principal denomination used for daily commerce and became the backbone of the Roman economy.

Weight: Approximately 4 grams

Sestertius

A large brass coin worth a quarter of a denarius. The sestertius became the standard unit for accounting and was commonly used by ordinary citizens.

Weight: Approximately 25-28 grams

As

The basic bronze unit of Roman currency. The As was used for small daily purchases and was the denomination most commonly used by the lower classes.

Weight: Approximately 10-11 grams

Historical Context

Early Roman Currency (500-211 BCE)

Early Rome used bronze ingots called "aes rude" for trade. By the 3rd century BCE, they introduced the "aes signatum" (signed bronze), which were heavy bronze bars marked with simple designs.

Republican Era (211-27 BCE)

The introduction of the silver denarius in 211 BCE marked a significant advancement in the Roman monetary system. The denarius featured the goddess Roma on one side and the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) on the reverse.

Imperial Era (27 BCE-476 CE)

Augustus established the aureus as the standard gold coin. During this period, Roman coins typically displayed the emperor's portrait on the obverse and various scenes celebrating military victories or promoting imperial propaganda on the reverse.

The Crisis of the Third Century

Economic instability led to severe debasement of Roman coinage. The silver content in the denarius was drastically reduced, eventually leading to hyperinflation. Emperor Diocletian attempted to reform the currency system but with limited success.

Byzantine Continuation

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire continued using Roman currency traditions. The Byzantine solidus (based on the late Roman solidus) became one of the most important trade coins in medieval Europe and the Mediterranean.

Did You Know?

The First Mint

Rome's first permanent mint was established in the Temple of Juno Moneta around 289 BCE. The word "money" derives from "Moneta," Juno's epithet.

Debasement Crisis

By the 3rd century CE, the denarius contained only about 2% silver, down from its original 95%, leading to severe inflation and economic instability.

Purchasing Power

One denarius could purchase approximately one day's worth of food and supplies for a Roman legionary in the 1st century CE.