This chapter revisits the function of Rome’s earliest cast bronze coinages or aes grave (RRC 14, 18, and 19). Primary attention is given to the complex denomination system and new statistical analyses of the weights of known specimens. This new evidence is combined with known find spot data and comparative evidence from aes rude to suggest that the heaviness of these monetary objects met regional cultural expectations while also imitating Greek coinage styles. The chapter also demonstrates that these series are unlikely to conform to different weight standards, being all on a libral standard, with the existence of a so-called “supra-libral” standard being only a misinterpretation of the available data. The degree of variation in the data, with many “overweight” specimens among the lower denominations, strongly suggests that the intrinsic value of the raw materials was secondary to their face value.

The goal of the book as a whole is to ‘translate’ coin evidence for a new generation of historians. The work of Michael Crawford represented a major leap forward in the study of Roman republican coins during the twentieth century while on the work of earlier generations.The major thematic structure of the book is summarized, and eight basic principles related to the use of coin evidence are laid out.

This chapter looks at cases where those subject to Roman hegemony attempted to throw off Roman control and also where the power of individuals within the state became so contested that it threatened the constitutional integrity of the republic.In the first half coin evidence is used to look at South Italian communities that sided with Hannibal during the Second Punic War, uprisings of enslaved peoples and Roman responses, and the failed attempt by Rome’s former Italian allies to set up a rival federal state.The second half examines what numismatic evidence can tell us about the autocratic ambitions of Marius, Sulla, and Pompey and ends with a close look at how Sulla’s memory was used during the period of Pompey’s ascendency.

This chapter explores the diverse ways in which coins serve as ‘monuments in miniature’, commemorating a wide variety of aspects of Roman public life.The first section uses two case studies to exemplify the different types of interactions of individuals, families, and the state seen through the coins.The first looks at the coinage produced over three generations by the Marcii Philippi; the second looks at the diversity of commemorative strategies used within the divisive years 56-55 BCE.The second section looks at how the Romans conceived of their empire as proof of divine favor.This type of ideology is evident in their foundation legends, how Rome is personified, the importance of priesthoods to individual and family status, and how military victories are themselves the subject of religious thanksgiving.

This chapter provides answers to some basic questions: when did Rome start making coins, and why did they make them?What caused the coinage to change?And what are the limits of our quantification of the coin evidence that survives? Answering these questions gives new insights into Rome’s relationship with her regional neighbors in the third century, especially the Pyrrhic War and the wars with Carthage. Attention is given to legends and designs that advertise the purpose of a specific issue, as well as changing weight standards, denomination systems, and retariffing of the denarius.The final section reviews the application of statistics to estimate the size of issues and to compare hoards, and interpret coin weights and metallurgical tests.

This chapter documents how the Roman elite attempted to speak to ‘popular’ concerns: Will there be enough to eat? Can we keep the favor of the gods? How will our rights to land and our own bodies be protected? What can preserve the anonymity of our votes? It starts with coins celebrating concord in the aftermath of the Catilinarian conspiracy.It then looks at the representation of religious festivals and the city's grain supply on the coinage.The next section examines numismatic evidence related to Roman agrarian policies and colonization, with particular attention to Paestum.The last section considers how the coinage reflects constitutional issues, especially the secret ballot and political rhetoric in reaction to the Sullan Constitution.