Roman currency

The Roman currency developed throughout the duration of the empire and was lead by the whims and desires of emperors coupled with the effects of inflation. The Uncia formed the basis of the early Roman currency, as Rome gradually emerged from a bartering economy. It was the twelfth of a Roman pound of bronze, hence it was a 'Roman ounce'. The smaller denominations of coins only played a part in the early part of the empire and later became obsolete dur to inflation. Hence the vast range of coins. Under Augustus the base metal coinage appeared to change from bronze to brass. Other coinages existed at various times, but those listed below appear as the major Roman coins. The pre-decimal currency in Britain, consisted of Pounds, Shillings and Pennies. Despite popular belief, this currency was not based on the Roman system. The only link was in the designation of '£sd'. which meant 'Librae, Solidi, Denarii'. After the Roman empire collapsed, the Saxons invaded Britain and instigated their own currency system, which changed again when the Nomans invaded Britain in 1066AD 1 uncia =   bronze/brass   1 sextans = 2 unciae bronze/brass   1 quadrans = 3 unciae bronze/brass   1 semis = 2 quadrantes bronze/brass   1 as = 6 sextantes bronze/brass   1 as = 4 quadrantes bronze/brass   1 as = 2 semisses bronze/brass   1 Dupondius = 2 asses brass   1 Sestertius = 2 Dupondii brass   1 Denarius = 4 Sestertii silver   1 Antonianus = 2 Denarii silver introduced by Caracalla 1 Follis = 2 Denarii bronze introduced by Diocletian in place the Antonianus 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii gold   1 Roman pound of gold (326 gram) = 60 Aurei     1 Siliqua =   silver introduced by Anastasius 1 Solidus (bezant) = 24 Siliquae gold introduced by Constantine 1 Roman pound of gold (326 gram) = 72 Solidi

The rough prices of commodoties and items in Roman times

½ litre of Falernian wine = 30 denarii ½ litre of beer = 4 denarii 1lb pork = 12 denarii 5 lettuce = 4 denarii 4 lbs of dessert grapes = 4 denarii 1 lb white silk = 12,000 denarii 1 lb genuine purple silk = 150,000 denarii

How much people earned in Roman time .

Around 117-138AD, it was recorded the rates of pay for soldiers were: Top legionary soldier Trooper in the cavalry Cavalryman in a part mounted unit Private in the infantry 300 silver denarii a year 200 denarii 150 denarii 100 denarii Non Commissioned Officers (NCO's) were on a higher scale, with junior NCO's having 1½ times the basic rate, and the senior NCO's receiving double. However the soldier was expected to pay for items such as his uniform, weapons, bedding, the unit's burial fund and even for rations. By the time all the deductions had been made, he was left with about one fifth of his original earnings. Even so, the soldier had security and a level of pay that was higher than he would receive in civilian life. The government people were much more affluent Senators earned about 300,000 denarii per year. I will add more information about the Roman currency when it becomes available

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