In Roman coinage, especially during the later Imperial period, denominations were categorized by size using a system of AE1, AE2, AE3, and AE4.
Here’s a general overview of Roman coin sizes:
- AE1: Coins larger than 25mm in diameter.
- AE2: Coins ranging from 21mm to 25mm in diameter.
- AE3: Coins ranging from 17mm to 21mm in diameter.
- AE4: Coins smaller than 17mm in diameter.
- Some bronze coins of Valentinian I are classified as AE1, being over 25mm.
- Honorius coins include AE2 denominations, measuring 21-25mm.
- Arcadius coins are sometimes AE3, 17-21mm in size.
- Theodosius I coins include AE4 denominations, under 17mm.
Slight variations within these ranges can occur between individual coins.
- Sestertius: This denomination, initially silver and later bronze, ranged from 25-40mm and weighed 25-27 grams. These larger coins allowed for more intricate designs.
- Denarius: Silver coins, popular for centuries, were similar in size to a modern dime. A listing from APMEX mentions a Tiberius denarius with an 18mm diameter.
- Minim: The smallest Roman coin, it was only 4mm in diameter.
What is the smallest Roman coin?
I can help with that. Roman coins had the head of the Emperor on one side and on the reverse a word such as ‘peace’, ‘prosperity’, or ‘liberty’. The smallest Roman coin was a minim, only 4mm in diameter, and the largest was a sestertius with a diameter up to 50mm.
How big is a Roman denarius?
Great question! The denarius contained an average 4.5 grams, or 1⁄72 of a Roman pound, of silver, and was at first tariffed at ten asses, hence its name, which means ‘tenner’. It formed the backbone of Roman currency throughout the Roman Republic and the early Empire.