Roman Currency

As the Roman Empire expanded and trade increased, a system was needed to help exchange goods. How the Roman Currency Came About… After bartering (trading one thing for another) was used, a system using metal chunks then metal bars was developed. Later, after contact with Greece, they saw the benefits of a good coinage system, and began making their own coins.

FUN FACTS Before the introduction of coinage the Romans used sheep for trading! The Latin word for money (pecunia) is from the Latin word for sheep (pecus).

Roman Coins Roman currency Most Roman coins were made of copper, bronze, silver or gold.

The Denarius was one of the most popular coins in the roman empire. It was equivalent to a daily wage. 1 Denarius = 1 day’s work The Denarius

Roman currency saw many changes in form, values, and composition. A usual feature was the debasement and replacement of expensive metals in the coins over the centuries. The emperor Gallienus did not have much silver to spare his coins, so he gave each one a paper thin coat in silver that quickly wore off. The Debasement of Roman Coins

FUN FACTS It is commonly believed that Roman soldiers were at certain times paid with salt. (They say the soldiers who did their job well were "worth their salt.") The word 'salary' comes from the Latin word salārium, possibly referring to money given to soldiers so they could buy salt! OUCH!!! Salt is softer and tastier than this stuff!

Features of Ancient Roman Coins ROMAN COINS 1. Roman coins often featured the emperor and his title in Latin. 2. Roman coins often showed animals or monuments. 3.Roman coins were made of gold, silver, bronze, copper and slowly contained less precious metal over time.

Similarities between Ancient Roman Coins and Canadian Coins CANADIAN COINS 1. Canadian Coins also feature the king or queen, and her title in Latin. 2. Like the Roman coins, Canadian Coins often show animals or monuments. 3. Similar to Roman coins, Canadian Coins were made of gold, silver, copper and slowly contained less precious metal.

1. Roman systems of money changed from a simple bartering method using sheep, to using chunk of metals, then metal bars, to using a sophisticated coinage system, over hundreds of years. 2. The coins eventually contained less precious metals. 3. To this day, we see similarities in Roman coinage and modern coins. SUMMARY

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3 Questions for my presentation ROMAN COINS