Famous Roman Coins — A Journey Through Rome’s Epic Moments

Instead of simply listing famous emperors, this journey follows key turning points in Roman history — each represented by an iconic coin that captures the spirit of its time.

Caesar Crosses the Rubicon (49 BC)

Featured coin: Replica of Julius Caesar’s Elephant Denarius

The Elephant Denarius shows an elephant trampling a serpent and symbolizes Julius Caesar’s power as he marched on Rome. It marks the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of civil war.

 

Featured coin: Replica of Roman Republic Denarius – Triskeles & Jupiter

This denarius was issued by Gaius Considius Paetus, a supporter of Pompey, at the outbreak of the civil war between Caesar and the Senate. The obverse features Jupiter, Rome’s chief god, invoking divine protection for the Republic. The reverse shows the triskeles — three legs in motion — a Sicilian emblem symbolizing resilience and constant movement. Struck to finance Pompey’s forces, the coin reflects the desperate propaganda battle for legitimacy as Caesar marched on Rome.

 

The Assassination of Caesar (44 BC)

Featured coin: Ides of March Coin Replica (Denarius of Brutus, EID MAR)

Brutus struck this coin to celebrate the assassination of Julius Caesar. It remains one of the most famous and recognizable coins in Roman history, symbolizing rebellion and the fall of the Republic.

 

The Rise of the First Emperor (27 BC)

Featured coin: Augustus Crocodile Denarius Replica — Conquest of Egypt

After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian became Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. The crocodile represents Egypt — his greatest conquest — and the start of the Roman Empire.

 

Featured coin: Replica of Augustus Denarius – Aurora & Capricorn

This coin was minted under Augustus as part of his vast propaganda program following his consolidation of power. On the obverse, the dawn goddess Aurora drives a four-horse chariot, heralding a new era for Rome. On the reverse, Augustus’ astrological sign, Capricorn, symbolizes discipline, destiny, and prosperity. By tying his rule to divine and cosmic order, Augustus presented himself as the bringer of stability after decades of civil war.

 

Hold a Piece of Roman History

Explore these and other replicas in our Rome Coin Collection.