Roman Coins

Description:

At its height, the Roman Empire extended from Europe and Northern Africa to Western Asia and ruled over one fifth of the world's population. Innovations in construction, aqueducts, roads, and plumbing were all legacies left by the Romans. Coins were first minted in the Roman Empire in the 4th century B.C. The ancient coins included in this display come from this profoundly influential empire.

Each display is different. Some coins are larger, and some are smaller, but every display will have 2 coins. 

Significance:

Roman coins from 300–400 AD are especially significant because they come from a period of major transformation in the Roman Empire: the rise of Christianity, the division of imperial administration, military pressures on the frontiers, and economic reforms. These coins were not just money—they were tools of political messaging.

Historical Context:

During this century, the empire was ruled by emperors such as Diocletian, Constantine I, Constantius II, Julian, and Theodosius I. The empire was adapting to political instability, inflation, and increasing pressure from Germanic and Persian rivals.