Collecting Roman coins is more than just owning old objects—it’s a way to hold history in your hand. These small pieces of metal connect us directly to one of the most influential civilizations the world has ever known. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoy collecting, Roman coins offer many benefits.
1. A Direct Connection to History
Roman coins were used by real people nearly 2,000 years ago: soldiers buying supplies, merchants trading goods, or citizens paying taxes. When you collect a Roman coin, you’re holding an object that may have passed through countless hands during the Roman Empire. This makes history feel real and personal, not just something in textbooks.
2. Learning About Roman Emperors and Events
Coins often show portraits of emperors like Julius Caesar, Augustus, or Constantine, along with symbols and inscriptions. These designs can tell you when the coin was made, who was in power, and what events or values were important at the time. Collecting coins naturally encourages learning about Roman politics, wars, religion, and daily life.
3. Appreciating Ancient Art and Design
Roman coins are tiny works of art. Despite limited technology, ancient engravers created detailed portraits and powerful symbols. Studying these designs helps you appreciate Roman craftsmanship and how art was used for communication and propaganda in the ancient world.
4. A Collecting Hobby with Variety
Roman coins come in many types, metals, and styles—bronze, silver, and gold; imperial and provincial coins; early Republic to late Empire. This variety means collectors can focus on what interests them most, such as a specific emperor, time period, or coin design.
5. Encourages Research and Critical Thinking
Collecting Roman coins isn’t just about owning them—it’s about researching them. Identifying coins, reading inscriptions, and understanding their background builds skills like analysis, patience, and attention to detail. It’s a hobby that rewards curiosity.
6. Preserving the Past
By collecting and caring for Roman coins, collectors help preserve history. Coins that are properly stored and studied are less likely to be lost or damaged, allowing future generations to learn from them as well
The featured product today is a ROMAN EMPIRE. Arcadius coin dating to, AD 395-423. Æ Nummus, VIRTVS EXERCITI, It comes NGC Certified. Arcadius was the eldest son of Emperor Theodosius I and became ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire upon his father’s death. His reign was marked by power struggles among court officials and generals, and coins like this one reflect the imperial emphasis on military support and stability at a time of internal and external pressures.
Arcadius, AD 395–423 — Æ Nummus / Follis, “VIRTVS EXERCITI”
Identification:
- Emperor: Arcadius — Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor, ruled 395–408 CE (sometimes extended to 423 if paired with co-rulers)
- Denomination: Æ Nummus (also called a bronze follis) — a common small bronze coin of the late Roman Empire
- Date Range: Typically 395–401 CE for this reverse type
- Metal: Bronze
- Size: Approximately 15–18 mm in diameter
Obverse (Front)
Inscription: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
This stands for Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus — “Our Lord Arcadius, Dutiful and Fortunate Augustus.”
Design:
A pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius facing right.
Reverse (Back)
Inscription: VIRTVS EXERCITI — Latin for “Valor (or Virtue) of the Army.”
Design:
The emperor appears standing in military attire, holding a spear and resting his left hand on a shield. The figure of Victory (Victoria) stands behind or beside him, crowning him with a wreath and often holding a palm branch.
This reverse type symbolizes the strength and loyalty of the army to the emperor.
Mint Marks & Variations
These coins were struck at several Eastern mints, and the mintmark (letters in the exergue) identifies where it was made:
- SMNA / SMNA( ) — Nicomedia (modern İzmit, Turkey)
- ANT( ) — Antioch (Syria)
- SMKA — Cyzicus (Asia Minor)
- ALED — Alexandria
The exact mintmark will usually be visible in the small exergue line at the bottom of the reverse, if preserved.