This collection of coins at the Capitoline Museum comprises ancient coins range-dated approximately between the 3rd and 1st century B.C. This collection, displaying the financial medium of Rome during the Republican era, features coins made from gold, silver, and bronze, including alliances, denarii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes.
The design of these coins is intricate, exhibiting the high degree of craftsmanship from Roman mint workers. The coins are adorned with depictions of key figures, mythological beings and significant symbols from Roman culture and history. Images of deities such as Jupiter and Mars are visible alongside those of prominent leaders like Julius Caesar. The reverse side of these coins often showcase allegorical imagery related to military accomplishments, landmark structures, and historical events.
The physical properties of the coins vary, though they are generally round and measure between slightly under one inch to slightly over in diameter. Irregular edges are noticeable, indicative of the manual coin-striking techniques used during this period. A patina, a result of centuries-long oxidation, lends an understated aesthetic to the coins, still permitting clear visibility of their detailed features.
The coins hold substantial historical importance. Shifts in design and inscription unveil changes in Rome's political structure. The early issues demonstrate collective governance, with scriptural references to certain magistrates. By contrast, later coins feature individual portraits, signaling a transition to autocracy. As Rome expanded, modifications in the coins' metallic constitution symbolize the republic's accessibility to diverse mineral resources.
