2017-11-18 Sat

The coinage of Roman Republic was highly influenced by Greek coinage, but later on, they developed their own style in currency. From crude coinage to systematic production of coins by moneyers, the journey of Roman currency is indeed fascinating! Denarius coinage was the starting stage in the development of Rome's own monetary system.

The most known denomination of the later denarius coinage was denarius and victorius, but there was also a lesser known denomination which was popular during late Republican coinage - Denarius serratus. Its name was derived from serrated, meaning serrated edge which appeared before the striking. It was probably done to show the purity of silver. Its edge provided protection against circumcision of the coin.

The first known denarius serrate was circulated around 118 BC. The coin depicted a helmeted bust of Roma on the obverse side. The reverse of the coin features a Gaulish warrior riding on a biga (two horse-chariot) towards the right, holding a shield and reins in both hands. The initials of the moneyer are inscribed in the exurge within the dotted border.

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