A new batch of Roman Republican coins has just been added to the Roman Republican Die Project (RRDP). This release is exciting because it covers a much wider period of time, including both early Republican didrachms and later coins from the reigns of Octavian and Antony. The new set includes more types and subtypes of coins, expanding our understanding of the coins used in ancient Rome.
Introduction to Roman Republican Coins
Roman Republican coins hold a special place in history as they reflect the power, culture, and wealth of ancient Rome. These coins were issued during the Roman Republic, a period that lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC. Over time, they evolved in both design and material, with different types of coins representing different periods and events in Roman history.
The new release of coins in the Roman Republican Die Project (RRDP) adds a significant number of coins that were previously not included. These coins come from various periods in Roman history, offering valuable insights into how Rome’s economy and politics evolved during the Republic.
What’s New in the Latest Release?
This batch of coins includes a wide variety of issues that were previously not processed or documented. Some of the coins in this release include early Republican didrachms (which are large silver coins) and late Republican aurei, which were gold coins used by notable figures like Octavian and Antony. These new coins fill in gaps in our understanding of Roman coinage from a range of important time periods.
Newly Processed Coins in the RRDP
The new release includes several new Roman Republican Coin (RRC) types that have been added to the collection. Some of the main types processed in this release are:
- 13/1 521/1
- 13/2 525/1
- 20/1 526/1
- 22/1 526/3
- 25/1 527/1
- 25/2 528/1
- 26/1 529/1
- 27/1 533/3
- 106/4 534/1
- 106/5 540/1
- 106/6 541/1
- 106/7 541/2
- 106/8 544/1
- 106/9 544/2
- 106/10 544/3
Expanded Timeline
The release not only includes more coins but also covers a wider time range. This is a significant step because it helps to complete the historical record of Roman coins. It includes coins from the early days of the Roman Republic up to the later years of the Republic, offering a broader picture of Roman coinage.
Collaboration with Sapienza University
This project was made possible with the help of students at Sapienza Università di Roma. These students worked as part of an internship supervised by Lucia Carbone, a well-known expert in Roman numismatics. Their contributions helped transcribe and analyze the coins, ensuring that the latest batch is as accurate as possible.
Several subtypes, such as RRC 366/1, were transcribed by students Isobel Wilkes, Micol Mazzoli, and others. This kind of academic collaboration ensures that the coins are properly documented and accessible for future research.
Control Marks and Die Analysis
The analysis of Roman coins often involves studying the control marks and dies used to mint the coins. For example, the RRC 366/1 coins have three distinct subtypes, each identified by different control marks. These marks were used to track the production of coins and their place of origin. Michael Crawford, a leading numismatist, originally identified three subtypes for this series based on the different symbols used. Schaefer, another scholar, has added further analysis and discovered additional dies that were not previously recorded.
The study of these symbols is important because they help researchers understand how Roman coin production worked, as well as how the Roman state managed its resources.
Why Is This Release Important?
The significance of this new release lies in how it helps fill in the gaps in Roman history. By including both early and late Republican coins, scholars can better understand the changes in Roman society over time. The late Republican aurei of Octavian and Antony, for example, help us understand the role of money during the end of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
Concluding Thoughts
The recent release of Roman Republican coins by the RRDP is an exciting addition to the study of ancient Roman numismatics. This new batch not only expands the timeline of coins available but also adds important details about the production and control of Roman currency. The cooperation between scholars and students at Sapienza Università di Roma is a great example of how academic collaboration can lead to significant discoveries in the field of historical research.
By providing a more complete picture of Roman coinage, this release helps scholars, collectors, and history enthusiasts alike gain a deeper understanding of the Roman Republic and its financial systems.
FAQs
1. What is the Roman Republican Die Project (RRDP)?
The RRDP is a project dedicated to cataloging and analyzing coins from the Roman Republic. It aims to document the different types of coins used during this period to help researchers and collectors better understand Roman history and economics.
2. What are “didrachms” and why are they important?
Didrachms were large silver coins used in the early Roman Republic. They were important because they represent the economic foundation of the Roman state during its early years, before the introduction of other forms of currency.
3. What are “aurei” coins and who used them?
Aurei were gold coins issued during the late Roman Republic. They were often used by powerful figures like Octavian and Antony. These coins are important because they show the wealth and influence of these leaders.
4. What are control marks and why do they matter?
Control marks are symbols or letters used on coins to track their production. They help researchers identify which mint produced a coin and can also give insights into how the Roman government managed its coinage.
5. How does the collaboration with Sapienza University help the project?
The collaboration with Sapienza University allows students to assist in the transcription and analysis of Roman coins. Their work ensures that the coins are accurately documented and that new findings are published for future study.