Denarius facts for kids

A collection of denarii from different Roman times. Row 1 shows coins from 157 BC, 73 AD (Vespasian), 161 AD (Marcus Aurelius), and 194 AD (Septimius Severus).
Row 2 shows coins from 199 AD (Caracalla), 200 AD (Julia Domna), 219 AD (Elagabalus), and 236 AD (Maximinus Thrax).

The denarius was a small silver coin used by the Roman Empire and Roman Republic. It weighed about 3 to 4.5 grams. This coin was the main money of Ancient Rome for a long time. It became the most common coin made for everyday use. Over time, the denarius slowly had less and less silver in it. Sometimes, it was even made of copper and just painted to look silver. During the time of the Roman Empire, the front side of the coin usually showed a picture of the emperor.

The denarius was first used in 211 BC (Before Christ). It was last made in 275 AD (Anno Domini), by which time it was mostly made of bronze.

Images for kids

• 

  A denarius showing Octavian and Mark Antony. This coin was made in 41 BC to celebrate their victory over Brutus and Cassius.

• 

  This chart shows how the amount of silver in Roman coins changed. Starting with Emperor Nero in 64 AD, the Romans slowly put less silver in their coins. By the late 200s AD, there was hardly any silver left.

• 

  A denarius showing Flavia Domitilla, who was the wife of Emperor Vespasian and mother of Emperors Titus and Domitian.

• 

  A denarius from Quintus Antonius Balbus, made around 83–82 BC.

See also

In Spanish: Denario para niños