Late Roman bronze coins are usually defined by their size as a handy notation. These are:AE1
AE2
AE3
AE4 | Over 25mm diameter
23mm to 25mm diameter
17mm to 23mm diameter
less than 17mm |
Occasionally, coins borderline in size are referred to as AE3/4 or AE2/3.
Early Republic| Aes Grave Series introduced 290 BC | | Denomination | Relative Value | | As | 12 Uncia | | Semis | 6 Uncia | | Triens | 4 Uncia | | Quadrans | 3 Uncia | | Sextans | 2 Uncia | | Uncia | Base Unit |
Mid RepublicThe following were key monetary units just before and after the introduction of the Denarius. | Denomination | Introduction | Metal | Value | Quadrigatus | c. 270 BC | Silver | 15 asses | Denarius | 217 - 211 BC | Silver | 10 asses | Victoriatus | c. 221 BC | Silver | 5 asses | Sestertius | c. 211 BC | Silver | 2.5 asses | Dupondius | c 290-280 BC | Bronze | 2 asses | As | c. 290-280 BC | Bronze | Base Unit | Semis | c. 290-280 BC | Bronze | 1/2 as | Quadrans | c. 290-280 BC | Bronze | 1/4 as | Sextans | c. 290-280 BC | Bronze | 1/6 as |
Late Republic to Early Empire| Denomination | Introduction | Metal | Value | | Aureus | 1st Cent. BC | Gold | 25 Denarii | | Quinarius Aureus or Halbaureus | 1st Cent. BC | Gold | 12.5 Denarii | | Denarius | 217 - 211 BC | Silver | 16 asses | | Quinarius | 101 BC | Silver | 8 asses | | Sestertius | Augustan Reforms of 23 BC | Brass | 4 asses | Dupondius | Augustan Reforms of 23 BC | Brass | 2 asses | | As | Augustan Reforms of 23 BC | Copper | Base Unit | | Semis | Augustan Reforms of 23 BC | Brass | 1/2 ass | | Quadrans | Augustan Reforms of 23 BC | Copper | 1/4 ass |
Late Imperial - Constantine to the Fall of the EmpireValue of the denominations and corresponding sizes remained fairly constant in this period. The noted exception is the introduction of the bronze AE series in which the relative values are virtually unknown. | Denomination | Metal | Weight or Size | Value | | Solidus | Gold | 4.5 gm | 24 Siliquae | | Semissis | Gold | 2.25 gm | 12 Siliquae | | Scripulum | Gold | 1.7 gm | 9 Siliquae | | Miliarense | Silver | 4.5 gm | 1/18 Solidus | | Siliquae | Silver | 3.4 gm | 1/24 Solidus | | AE 1 | Bronze | 25 mm | NA | | AE 2 | Bronze | 21 - 25 mm | NA | | AE 3 | Bronze | 17 - 21 mm | NA | | AE 3/4 | Bronze | 16 - 18 mm | NA | | AE 4 | Bronze | Less than 17 mm | NA |
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