A Roman coin brings together a portrait, a Latin legend and a reverse design on a small struck object. Read those details alongside its weight, condition and recorded history. Each coin's photographs and catalogue reference let you examine the evidence for that particular piece.
Browse Roman denarii and antoniniani, then compare the ruler, denomination, proposed date and condition on the individual listing. The photographs show the particular coin offered; a catalogue illustration describes a type, not that coin's ownership history.
The listings cite Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC), a reference series for Roman Imperial coin types. Online Coins of the Roman Empire, a project of the American Numismatic Society and New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, makes RIC types and linked collection examples available online. A reference helps you compare an attribution; it does not authenticate an individual specimen by itself.
The standard of evidence we apply to every coin
RIC is the bibliographic layer. Before listing a coin, Jakob checks its flan and edge, surface and patina, strike, legend, portrait style and weight. No single feature settles authenticity: the observations need to be considered together with the issue's reference and the coin's recorded history. Read our guide on how Aurora authenticates a Roman coin for the checks and their limits.
Every coin ships with Aurora's lifetime authenticity guarantee: if a piece is ever shown to be inauthentic, we refund it, without time limit.
What the coins in this catalogue actually say
On many Imperial coins, the obverse identifies the ruler and uses abbreviated titles: IMP for Imperator, AVG for Augustus, and P M for Pontifex Maximus. TR P refers to tribunician power; a following numeral must be interpreted with the ruler's chronology and coin type. The reverse adds its own design and legend. Our Roman coin lettering guide shows how to read these elements together.
Compare the surviving letters with the proposed catalogue type, while recording gaps or uncertain readings. A convincing inscription alone does not establish authenticity. The legend needs to be considered alongside the coin's physical features and documented history.
Compare the evidence for the individual coin
When comparing coins, read the photographs, weight, condition, proposed type and recorded provenance together. Two examples of the same issue can differ in wear, completeness and surface condition. Ask for an explanation of any uncertain reading or disclosed repair before choosing a piece.
Aurora examines pieces before listing and states their recorded collection history in the provenance line. Read our provenance and authenticity information for what that record and the lifetime guarantee cover.
Shipping is insured and free within the EU. Ownership, export and import requirements are separate questions and depend on the object, route and destination. Before ordering across a border, check our shipping and insurance information and ask about the documents for that piece and destination. The European Commission explains the requirements for certain cultural goods imported into the EU.
Frequently asked questions
Are these authentic Roman coins?
Yes. They are originals; Aurora does not sell replicas. Jakob, who runs Aurora, examines each piece himself before it is listed. He looks at the metal and its surface, the wear, the manufacturing marks, and the style and type. For Roman coins, the listing gives the reference in Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC). If a piece does not hold up on these points, we do not list it. Every coin is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee: if a piece bought from Aurora is ever shown not to be authentic, or not of the period stated at purchase, we refund the full purchase price. There is no time limit. To check a coin yourself, read our guide on how to authenticate an ancient Roman coin.
Is it legal to buy and own ancient Roman coins?
A Roman attribution does not by itself establish that a particular coin may be imported into your country. Read its recorded provenance, check destination requirements and ask Aurora about the documentation and shipping arrangements before ordering. Our provenance and authenticity page explains the information we provide for individual pieces.
→ Read the guide to buying ancient Roman coins
Denominations, emperors, grading and what a fair price looks like are all worth understanding before you buy. See our beginner's guide to buying Roman coins for types, dating and what to check before buying.