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Instructions
Learn the basics of recognizing Imperial Roman coins. Roman coins, regardless of the era in which they appeared, contain a bust or profile of the emperor of the time on the obverse. Letters indicating his name, mint marks and other information may be included here. The reverse of the coins often shows a full portrait of the emperor, a wreath, a building, an animal or stars.
Check out early Imperial Roman coins. During the era of the "Twelve Caesars," coinage was crudely produced, with a bust of the emperor on the front surrounded by lettering. Because many of these ancient coins bear features dimmed by time and weather, familiarize yourself with the portrait and facial features of the emperor. The earliest coins of Augustus' reign (27 B.C. to 14 A.D.) featured a plain bust of the leader, with the hair and long nose being the only easily identifiable parts of the etching. Each succeeding emperor has distinctive features. Vespasian has a short neck and what appear to be jowls, and Titus and Domitian wear a laurel or head covering.
Notice coins picturing Constantine and his heirs. Money issued during the reign of Constantine the Great ( A,D. 320-337), often have a greenish tint due to age and wear. The coin with Constantine̵7;s head on the obverse in profile was made from copper and silver. It has a double-turreted gate and a star on the reverse. A coin featuring the head of Constantius II on the obverse wearing a laurel, and the letters ̶0;Fl Ivl Nob C̶1; on the front with a star above a gate with two turrets, is similar to the coin described above except that it was made from copper and just a tiny bit of silver. Julius Crispus, Constantine I̵7;s firstborn son, also has a laureate profile of his head on the obverse, with the letters ̶0;Caesarvm Nostrorvm, Vot X" circling the wreath on the reverse of this pure bronze coin.
Investigate Imperial Roman coins focusing on Constantine̵7;s rivals. The rare bronze coin issued with Licinius I on the obverse has a trophy between his bust and the bust of Licinius II with the letters ̶0;Dd Nn Iovii Licinni Invict Avg Et Caes̶0; circling it. The reverse picture is a standing figure of the god Jupiter wearing a cloak and holding a scepter.
Look at coins featuring Constantine̵7;s cousin. The Julian as Augustus bronze coin has a draped bust on the front with the letters ̶0;D N Cl Ivli Anvs-Avg.̶1; The reverse of this rare piece shows the ruler holding a globe in one hand and a spear in the other.