Why are denarii worth so much?

Obviously, demand and supply are a key driver in the valuations of each particular coin, with early “heavy denarii”, that contain more silver and were minted in much lower numbers, having far more value - and cost much more to purchase - than a denarius of mainly bronze minted in greater quantities towards the later part of its circulation.

How much is a denarius worth?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the value of a denarius would depend on a number of factors, including the specific bread being considered and the current economic conditions. However, if we take Doug Smith’s claim at face value, then a denarius would be worth approximately $20 USD.

How much silver is in a denarii?

Although valued at 2 denarii (hence it being also known today as a ‘double-denarius’), even at its introduction it only contained 1.5 times the silver content of a denarius. Being twice the value but not containing twice the amount of silver was a quick, and pretty obvious really, recipe for inflation and circulation issues.

What is a denarius coin?

A denarius was a silver coin used in the Roman Empire. It was worth about 15 cents and was equal to ten asses. The name of the coin comes from the Latin word for ‘ten’. There are many reasons why ancient coins are important. Each coin tells a story about the culture, history, and values of the people who created it.