Aureus
The aureus (aurei plural) or denier of gold , designating subdivisions monetary crowns Danish , Faroese , Norwegian and Swedish.
Summary |
- The book here means the Roman unit of measurement equivalent to 327.368 grams.
Before the seizure of power by Julius Caesar , the aureus was hit very irregularly, usually in order to make substantial payments from the captured booty (gold is transformed into pieces, for expenses). The first issue of aurei appears to date from 217 BC. AD.
Caesar makes strikes aureus requires more regular and in particular a standard weight equivalent to 1 / 40 th of book , or about 8.16 grams. This piece, made of pure gold without alloy, is called the nummus aureus.
Augustus reserves subsequently, the minting of precious species whose aureus, which weighed 1 / 42 th of book of gold (or 7.79 g) and is worth 25 deniers.
Nevertheless, the successors of Augustus have used some form of inflation , which is to reduce either the weight of the piece, or their title (percentage of gold), or sometimes by combining the two practices.
Thus, the mass will decrease aureus 1 / 45 th of book , (7.39 g), during the reign of Nero (the penny weigh about 3.38 grams).
After the reign of Marcus Aurelius (the aureus weighs about 7.3 g), production will decline aurei and weight that is approximately 1/50th of a pound (6.54 g) , the reign of Caracalla (Dynasty Severe ). During the reign of Alexander Severus ( 222 to 235 ), last emperor of the dynasty of the Severi , the aureus will weigh up to 5.83 grams .
During the third century , gold coins are introduced in various shapes and weights, making it difficult to accurately determine the gold coin, standard time.
Aurlien removes 274 senatorial prerogatives regarding currency issues of bronze and wants to restore the system of Caracalla. He then puts up a aureus to 6.45 grams and creates a antoninianus or Aurelianus to 3.80 grams.
During the reign of Diocletian , the aureus weighs about 1 / 60 th of book , .
Constantine introduced the solidus in 309 (or 311 ) (1 / 72 th of a pound), replacing the aureus as the gold standard monetary unit of the Roman Empire. The aureus had at that time reached a weight similar to its successor, Solidus , (the solidus is wider and thinner than the aureus, which resembled in its manufacturing denier silver).
From this date, will no longer aureus issued for special occasions and in very small quantities.
The aurei
The Roman Republic
The Roman Empire
Notes
- Henry Cohen, Description historic coins minted under the Roman Empire, Volume I, Paris, 1880, introduction p. 13. Link to the book
- Encyclopdia Universalis Germans Article
- a , b , c , d and e Henry Cohen, Description historic coins minted under the Roman Empire, Volume I, Paris, 1880, introduction p. 16. Link to the book
- a , b , c , d and e Theodor Mommsen, History of the Roman currency, translated by The Duke of Blacas, Volume I. Link to book
- Encyclopdia Universalis Rome and Roman Rule - The High Empire
Sources
Bibliography
General titles
- (In) John Yonge Akerman, A Manual of Roman Coins, London 1865. Link to the book
- Babelon Ernest, Moneta in memory of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, Paris 1913. Link to the book
- Henry Cohen, Description History of coins minted under the Roman Empire, second edition, Paris, 1880-1892. Link to the book
- (In) Francesco Gnecchi, Roman Coins Elementary Manual, London 1903. Link to the book
- (De) Imhoof Friedrich-Blumer, Portrtkpfe Rmischen auf Mnzen der Republik und der Kaiserzeit, Leipzig 1892. Link to the book
- Theodor Mommsen , History of the Roman currency, translated by The Duke of Blacas, Volume I, II, III and IV. Volume I Volume II Volume IV
Books about
- (La) Jacques De Bye, Julio has Imperatorum Romanorum Caesare usque ad Heraclium Numismata Aurea, Antwerp 1627. Link to the book
- Alfonso De Schodt, Futures medals Octavian Augustus, in Revue Belgian numismatics, Brussels 1883. Link to the book
- John Witte, Medals Bonosus, in Numismatic Journal, Paris 1859. Link to the book
- Merlin Alfred Setbacks monetary Emperor Nerva, Paris 1906. Link to the book
See also
Related articles
External Links
- General site on Roman coins with books
- Detailed and illustrated article on Roman gold coins
- CGB site dedicated to Roman coins
- (En) Site dedicated to Roman coins wildwinds.com
- (It) online numismatics exhibition: "This round gold object IS the Image of the Round Earth (H. Melville). The fascination of gold in ancient coins
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