Owning an authentic ancient Roman coin means holding money that changed hands two thousand years ago. This guide covers what to buy, how to authenticate, the legal position, and where to find genuine coins.
What to know about Roman coins
Roman coins span the Republic and Empire. The most collected are silver denarii and antoniniani, struck with the portraits of emperors and empresses. Each is catalogued in standard references (RIC, the Roman Imperial Coinage), which lets a good dealer attribute it precisely.
Are Roman coins legal to own?
In most countries, yes — ancient Roman coins are legal to own and trade when lawfully exported. We ship with appropriate documentation. Read our full guide on the legality of owning Roman coins.
How to authenticate a Roman coin
Look for period-correct metal and strike, honest wear, and a precise RIC attribution. Beware unattributed "job lots" with no guarantee.
At Aurora Antiqua, every piece is researched against a corpus of more than 73,000 archaeological references and backed by a written Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee, with free insured worldwide shipping. You can read our full method in our guide on how we authenticate ancient and medieval rings.
What do Roman coins cost?
- Common silver denarii: €100–250
- Rarer emperors & high grade: €250–800+
- Gold (aurei) and great rarities: much higher
Browse authentic ancient Roman coins
- Roman Silver Denarius 'Julia Maesa' (219-220 AD, RIC IV 348) — €145.00
- Roman Silver Denarius 'Marcus Aurelius (Caesar)' (157-158 CE) — €180.00
- Roman Silver Denarius 'Severus Alexander' (229 CE, RIC IV Severus Alexander 92) — €130.00
Frequently asked questions
Are ancient Roman coins legal to own?
Yes, in most countries ancient Roman coins are entirely legal to own and trade, provided they were lawfully exported. Aurora ships with proper documentation. See our detailed guide on the legality of owning Roman coins.
How can I tell if a Roman coin is real?
Authentic Roman coins show period-correct metal, wear, and strike, and match documented RIC references. Buy from a dealer who attributes each coin and guarantees authenticity in writing.
How much do ancient Roman coins cost?
Common silver denarii start around 100 to 250 EUR; rarer emperors and well-preserved examples run higher.
Where can I buy authentic ancient Roman coins?
Aurora Antiqua offers RIC-attributed, authenticated Roman silver coins, each backed by a written Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee with free insured worldwide shipping.