The silver denarius became the backbone of Roman Republican currency after its introduction around 211 BCE, serving as the standard coin for Roman commerce and military pay for centuries. The name denarius came from the valuation of the coins, with each denarius containing roughly 4.5 grams of silver valued at ten bronze asses. Denarius is the Latin term for “containing ten.” Right now, Roman Republic Piso Caesoninus AR Denarius Coins in Choice Extremely Fine condition are available at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic slab!
• Ancient silver coin from the era of the Roman Republic!
• Stunning 4/5 strike grade and 5/5 surface grade!
• Contains .1286 troy oz of actual silver content.
• The obverse and reverse feature designs from a moneyer known as Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus.
• Please note that the exact appearance of each coin (shape, condition, wear, etc.) can vary from one piece to the next.

Each Roman Republic Piso Caesoninus AR Denarius Coin is an ancient silver coin that the NGC certified as Choice Extremely Fine, placing it at the highest end of the Extremely Fine range. The coin has well-defined visuals with muted, silver-gray fields and even subtle, golden highlights around the obverse portrait. The coin also earned a 4/5 grade for strike and a 5/5 grade for surface, indicating strong original qualities from the point of production (design centering, strength, and evenness) with high-quality post-production visuals (strong luster, minimal corrosion and abrasions).

Moneyers, typically young magistrates from prominent families, were granted the privilege of striking denarii and often used this opportunity to commemorate their ancestors’ achievements or advertise their family’s prestige through innovative imagery, making Republican denarii remarkably diverse in their designs compared to the more standardized imperial coinage that would follow.

This Roman Republic AR Denarius Coin was produced by Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, who served as moneyer around 100 BCE. He designed and issued denarii that reflected his family’s distinguished lineage and political aspirations. His coins typically featured traditional Roman religious imagery on the obverse, while the reverse often displayed scenes honoring the Calpurnii Pisones’ contributions to Roman history. The designs emphasized gravitas and ancestral virtue, common themes for aristocratic moneyers seeking to remind citizens of their family’s worthiness for high office, with Caesoninus himself later becoming consul in 58 BCE and the father-in-law of Julius Caesar.

If you have any questions about ancient silver coins, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.