PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Activity 2 – Roman Coins
Roman coins had different values in relation to each other in the Imperial and Republic years. The metals
they were made of also changed throughout the history of Rome. The coins in this activity were in use from
the first to the third century AD. Each coin had the emperor’s head on it to prove it was genuine.
Aureus (aurei) – Rome’s first gold coin
Denarius (denarii) – Main silver coin
Sestertius (sestertii) – Brass coin
Dupondius (dupondii) – Brass coin
As (asses) – Copper coin
Semi (semis) – Bronze coin
Quadran (quadrans) – Copper coin
Activity Box
Use the above information to solve the problems.
(a) A Senator buys rolls
of silk for 4 aurei or
denarii.
(d) A legionary buys a
helmet for 20 dupondii
or
asses.
(g) A consul pays 10 aurei
or
for a chariot.
sestertii
(j) A Roman slave spends 5
sestertii or
quadrans on grapes for
his master.
(m) A merchant pays 300
sestertii or
aurei on taxes for
imported goods.
(b) A patrician buys a painting
for 12 sestertii or
(e)
asses.
A Roman trader sells wine
for 8 aurei or
sestertii.
(h) A tribune wins 150 denarii
or
aurei
gambling at the circus.
(k) A charioteer spends 2 aurei
or
dupondii
on food for his horses.
(n) A school pupil spends 6
semis or
asses for a stylus.
25 denarii to an aureus
4 sestertii to a denarius
A dupondius is worth 1 / 2
a sestertius
4 asses to a sestertius
2 semis to an as
4 quadrans to an as
(c)
(f)
(i)
(l)
A centurion has his
gladius repaired for 32
quadrans or
sestertii.
A Roman potter makes an
amphora for 10 asses or
quadrans.
A farmer buys a new
scythe for one denarius
Viewing Sample
or
semis
A rich Roman mother
spends 3 aurei or
denarii on a
model chariot for her son.
(o) A Roman priest buys a
temple statue for 600
denarii or
aurei.
– 88 – Ancient Rome Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com