Until the middle of the 3rd century AD, when it had lost much of its value, the denarius functioned as the basic coin of the Roman imperial working class. While experts vary, a denarius was the daily wage for a soldier or common laborer. Because paying soldiers became an increasing need as the empire expanded, coin-makers often travelled with troops, hand-striking coins in military camps to insure soldiers' pay. (Estimates of the denarii needed to maintain Roman armies run into the millions.) Thus these silver coins are found often by searchers. Denarii often display their battlefield manufacture. Blanks, or flans, often cut into strips, were struck between two bronze dies with a hammer, often resulting in rough edges and off-center impressions caused by the haste with which they were minted. As the widespread empire grew more financially stressed, the denarius was replaced, beginning in 215 AD by the antoninianus (see Antoninianus Coins).
![]() Emporer Domitian Roman Denarius Reproduction Coin US $3.15
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![]() Roman Silver Denarius Coin Of Elagabalus 221 Ad Dark Patina US $27.99
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![]() Roman Silver Denarius Coin Of Julia Domna 213 Ad US $28.99
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