Anonymous Roman Coinage

The Initial Phase of Roman State Coinage

The earliest coins issued by Rome drew exclusively on religious, civic, and mythological themes without any reference to living magistrates or individual families. Because these issues bear only the communal name of the state (ROMA or ROMANO), numismatists designate this foundational era as the anonymous coinage (ca. 300–211 BC).

Bronze Coinage

The earliest bronze coinage was the heavy cast as (aes grave), accompanied by its duodecimal fractions: semis (S), triens (4 dots), quadrans (3 dots), sextans (2 dots), and uncia (1 dot). These were marked with the prow of a galley or divine protectors (Janus, Saturn, Minerva, Hercules, Mercury, Roma).

Silver Coinage

In silver, Rome initially struck didrachms in Campania (such as the Quadrigatus). In 211 BC, the definitive silver denomination was created: the denarius (marked X = 10 asses), accompanied by the quinarius (V = 5 asses) and sestertius (IIS = 2.5 asses). The standard reverse depicted the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) galloping on horseback, with the legend ROMA in the exergue.

Gold Coinage

Gold was minted only in moments of acute military crisis. The earliest issues were the oath gold didrachms (220 BC) and the emergency gold staters marked 60, 40, and 20 sestertii/asses (211 BC) with Mars and an eagle.