The Ultimate Guide to Collecting Roman Emperors: Every Emperor Ranked for Collectors
The Ultimate Guide to Collecting Roman Emperors: Every Emperor Ranked for Collectors
Which Roman Emperor Should You Collect First? A Complete Roadmap Through Nearly Five Centuries of Imperial Coinage, Ranked for the Way Collectors Actually Buy.
Imagine standing in front of a dealer's table filled with ancient Roman coins. Hundreds of emperors stare back at you.
Historians generally recognize around 70 emperors who ruled the Western Roman Empire from Augustus in 27 BC to Romulus Augustulus in AD 476, along with several rival claimants and the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) emperors who continued the imperial tradition for nearly another thousand years.
Augustus. Nero. Trajan. Hadrian. Marcus Aurelius. Constantine. Some ruled for decades and changed the course of Western civilization. Others held power for only a few months before being overthrown or assassinated. Some coins can still be purchased for less than the cost of a nice dinner, while others sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
If you're new to Roman coins, one question quickly becomes unavoidable: which Roman emperor should I collect first?
It's a great question, and one that doesn't have a simple answer. Many collectors naturally gravitate toward the most famous names. Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, and Marcus Aurelius all deserve their legendary reputations. But fame alone doesn't necessarily make an emperor the best choice for a collection. Some rulers are historically fascinating but prohibitively expensive. Others are surprisingly affordable despite playing enormous roles in Roman history. Still others produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck.
This guide answers that question from the perspective of a collector. Instead of asking "who was Rome's greatest emperor?" we're asking something different: which Roman emperors offer the most rewarding collecting experience? Whether you're buying your very first ancient coin or planning to build a collection that spans the Roman Empire, this guide will help you decide where to begin, and where to go next.
How We Ranked the Emperors
Most lists ranking Roman emperors focus on military victories, political achievements, or historical influence. Those matter, but collectors care about something else too. When choosing a Roman coin, you also have to consider whether you can realistically find an authentic example, whether the emperor is affordable, whether the coins are attractive, whether the ruler has an interesting story, and whether you'll still appreciate the coin years from now. A coin isn't simply a name on a list. It's a tangible connection to an individual who lived nearly two thousand years ago, struck from dies engraved by hand by skilled ancient artisans.
Every emperor in this guide is evaluated using five factors that matter to collectors: historical importance, availability, affordability, artistic quality, and beginner friendliness. Some emperors fundamentally changed the Roman world. Augustus transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Trajan expanded the Empire to its greatest territorial extent. Constantine reshaped it through the Edict of Milan, which granted legal status to Christianity, and by founding Constantinople.
One of the biggest misconceptions about ancient coin collecting is that every Roman emperor costs thousands of dollars. The reality is more encouraging. Many historically important emperors, including Constantine the Great, Licinius I, Probus, and Constantius II, can often be found in certified condition affordably, depending on the type, grade, and current market. Others, such as Otho or Pertinax, are considerably scarcer and usually command much higher prices.
The Kinzer Collector Score
Each emperor receives a Kinzer Collector Score based on those five categories. The score is not a measure of an emperor's greatness. Instead, it evaluates how rewarding that emperor's coins are to collect by balancing historical importance, affordability, availability, artistic quality, and beginner accessibility. Two collectors may disagree about whether Hadrian deserves a higher score than Marcus Aurelius, and that's perfectly fine. While no ranking is completely objective, this approach balances historical importance with practical collecting considerations. The goal isn't to identify the greatest Roman emperor. It's to help you decide which emperor to add to your collection next.
There is no wrong Roman emperor to collect. Every collection tells a different story.
The rankings that follow are meant to serve as a roadmap, not a rulebook. You may discover that your favorite emperor isn't ranked near the top, and that's perfectly fine. Many experienced collectors eventually develop a deep appreciation for the lesser-known rulers whose stories are often every bit as fascinating as those of Augustus or Constantine. The best Roman collection isn't the one that follows someone else's rankings. It's the one that reflects your own curiosity about history.
The Five Roman Emperors Every Collector Should Own
If someone asked me to recommend just five Roman emperors to build the foundation of a collection, these are the names I would choose. That doesn't necessarily mean they were Rome's five greatest rulers, nor that their coins are the rarest or most valuable. Instead, these five offer the best combination of historical importance, affordability, availability, artistic quality, and long-term collecting appeal. Together they tell the story of Rome's rise, its golden age, and its transformation into the Christian Empire.
1. Constantine the Great
If there is a single Roman emperor whose coins perfectly introduce someone to ancient coin collecting, it is Constantine the Great. After emerging victorious from a series of civil wars culminating in his defeat of Licinius in AD 324, Constantine became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Earlier, in AD 313, Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting legal toleration to Christianity after centuries of intermittent persecution. Later, Constantine founded Constantinople as a new imperial capital, a city that would remain the center of the Eastern Roman Empire for more than a thousand years.
His coinage reflects this extraordinary period of transition. Collectors can own coins from the era of the founding of Constantinople, including the famous commemorative issues honoring Roma and Constantinopolis, alongside military types, Sol Invictus issues, and later Christian-era coinage. The Roman mints produced enormous quantities of bronze during his reign, making attractive authenticated examples widely available today. For many collectors, Constantine is the ideal first Roman emperor.
Did You Know? Constantine's bronze coins were struck at imperial mints stretching from Britain to the Near East, making them one of the most widely distributed coinages of the Roman Empire.
2. Trajan
If Augustus established the Roman Empire, Trajan expanded it to its greatest territorial extent. A gifted soldier and administrator, Trajan conquered Dacia (modern Romania), annexed the Nabataean Kingdom as the province of Arabia Petraea, and campaigned deep into Mesopotamia. His portraits are among the finest produced by Roman engravers, and his coins commemorate military victories, public building projects, and the prosperity of one of Rome's greatest eras. Unlike many famous rulers, Trajan remains surprisingly attainable, one of the best combinations of historical importance and affordability in the Roman series.
Did You Know? Trajan's Column still stands in Rome today, nearly 1,900 years after it was completed, preserving one of history's most detailed visual records of the Dacian Wars.
3. Hadrian
Few Roman emperors left behind coinage as artistic as Hadrian's. Known for his extensive travels throughout the Empire, Hadrian personally visited provinces stretching from Britain to Egypt. Rather than pursuing further conquest, he focused on strengthening and consolidating Rome's frontiers while investing heavily in architecture, administration, and culture. Today he is perhaps best remembered for Hadrian's Wall. Collectors admire his coinage for its exceptional portraiture and remarkable diversity, including the famous Travel Series celebrating the provinces. If Trajan represents Rome's greatest expansion, Hadrian represents its maturity.
Did You Know? Hadrian's decision to wear a full beard helped establish the bearded imperial portrait that became common among later Roman emperors.
4. Marcus Aurelius
Few rulers in history are remembered both as emperors and philosophers. Marcus Aurelius spent much of his reign defending the Empire's frontiers against Germanic tribes along the Danube. During these campaigns, he composed much of what would later become one of history's most influential philosophical works, the Meditations. Owning a coin of Marcus Aurelius means holding a tangible connection to one of history's greatest philosophical minds.
Did You Know? The famous bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius survived the Middle Ages because it was mistakenly believed to depict Constantine the Great.
5. Augustus
Everything begins with Augustus. Following decades of civil war, Octavian emerged victorious and transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. In 27 BC, the Senate granted him the honorific title Augustus, marking the beginning of the Principate. His reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, an era of relative peace and stability that shaped the Mediterranean world for generations. His coins are generally more expensive than those of Constantine or Trajan, but they also represent the birth of imperial Rome itself. For many collectors, acquiring an Augustus is a milestone.
Did You Know? Augustus ruled for more than 40 years, longer than any Roman emperor until the Byzantine period.
Together, these five span more than three centuries of Roman history: Augustus established the Empire, Trajan expanded it to its greatest territorial extent, Hadrian consolidated it, Marcus Aurelius defended it, and Constantine reshaped it for a new age. Begin here and you already possess one of the finest introductions to Roman history any coin collection can offer.
The Founding of the Roman Empire
Every Roman collection begins somewhere. For many collectors it begins with Constantine, because his coins are affordable and easy to find. Historically, however, every imperial coin traces its lineage back to one man: Augustus. The founding figures, including Julius Caesar, whose career paved the way for the Empire, witnessed Rome's transformation from a republic governed by elected magistrates into an empire ruled by emperors. It was an age of extraordinary political intrigue, military conquest, family drama, and assassination. Even people who have never collected ancient coins usually recognize names like Julius Caesar, Nero, Caligula, or Claudius.
Julius Caesar (Special Collector's Choice)
Although Julius Caesar was never a Roman emperor, no guide to collecting Roman rulers would be complete without him. His victories during the Gallic Wars made him one of history's greatest military commanders, and his crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BC ignited a civil war that brought the Republic to the brink of collapse. Following his victory over Pompey, Caesar became dictator perpetuo shortly before his assassination on the Ides of March in 44 BC. His adopted son and heir, Octavian, would later become Augustus. His lifetime portrait issues were the first widely circulated Roman state coinage to prominently depict a living Roman ruler, a controversial decision that alarmed many senators. Portrait denarii of Julius Caesar are among the most iconic and expensive Roman coins; collectors on a smaller budget often begin with his Elephant Denarius, which is historically significant despite not depicting his portrait.
Tiberius
For many collectors, Tiberius is the emperor whose coins connect most directly to the New Testament. His famous silver denarius has long been associated, though not definitively identified, with the "Tribute Penny" mentioned in the Gospels, making him one of the most sought-after rulers among Biblical collectors. Beyond that connection, Tiberius successfully preserved the empire inherited from Augustus. Although often portrayed as withdrawn and suspicious during his later years, modern historians generally recognize him as an able administrator who left Rome financially secure.
Caligula
Few Roman emperors are as instantly recognizable as Caligula. Ancient writers portray him as cruel, extravagant, and increasingly unstable, although modern historians continue to debate how much of that reputation reflects hostile sources written after his death. His coins are considerably scarcer than those of many later emperors, adding to their appeal. Despite countless stories about Caligula making his horse a consul, ancient sources disagree about what actually occurred, and many historians view the tale with skepticism.
Claudius
Ancient historians often underestimated Claudius. Frequently portrayed as physically weak or unlikely to rule, he proved to be a capable administrator who strengthened the imperial bureaucracy and oversaw the successful Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43. Modern scholarship has substantially improved his reputation. Collectors appreciate Claudius because his reign marks one of Rome's major expansions while remaining more attainable than Julius Caesar or Augustus. He was reportedly proclaimed emperor by members of the Praetorian Guard after being discovered hiding inside the imperial palace following Caligula's assassination.
Nero
Few Roman emperors are as instantly recognizable as Nero. His reign witnessed the Great Fire of Rome, the revolt in Judaea that ultimately led to the destruction of the Second Temple, and the growing instability that brought the Julio-Claudian dynasty to an end. Like Caligula, Nero's reputation has been shaped largely by hostile ancient authors. Modern historians continue to debate many of the stories surrounding his reign, including the famous claim that he fiddled while Rome burned, a story that is almost certainly legendary since the violin would not be invented for many centuries. Collectors are often drawn to Nero because of his remarkable portraiture, which became noticeably fuller and more individualized as his reign progressed.
When Nero died in AD 68 without a clear heir, the empire plunged into civil war, and four different men would claim the imperial throne within a single year.
The Year of the Four Emperors and the Flavian Dynasty
Following Nero's death in June AD 68, the empire descended into civil war. During AD 69 alone, four men, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, claimed the imperial throne. Three died violently. Yet from that chaos emerged one of Rome's greatest ruling families, the Flavian dynasty. For collectors, the Year of the Four Emperors presents a unique challenge: completing all four rulers means acquiring some of the shortest-reigning and often scarcest emperors in Roman history.
Galba
Galba became emperor after leading a revolt against Nero from Hispania. Already in his seventies, he promised to restore discipline and stability, but his strict financial policies and refusal to reward the Praetorian Guard quickly cost him support. After ruling for only about seven months, he was murdered in the Roman Forum by soldiers loyal to Otho. His brief reign makes his coins significantly scarcer than those of many emperors, and his portraits are among the most realistic of the early Empire, often emphasizing his advanced age rather than idealizing his appearance.
Otho
Otho ruled for only about three months. After arranging Galba's assassination, he seized the throne but soon faced the armies of Vitellius advancing from Germany. Following defeat at the First Battle of Bedriacum, Otho took his own life, hoping to spare the empire further civil war. Ancient writers, including Plutarch and Tacitus, praised his final act as one of unexpected honor. His coins are scarce, beautifully engraved, and highly sought after. Ancient sources report that Otho wore an elaborate wig to conceal his baldness, a detail that has fascinated historians for centuries.
Vitellius
Vitellius became emperor after his German legions defeated Otho. Ancient historians portray him as extravagant and gluttonous, although modern scholars caution that much of this image comes from writers favorable to the victorious Flavian dynasty. His reign lasted only about eight months before Vespasian's forces captured Rome. His coins remain scarce because of his short reign.
Vespasian
After a year of civil war, Vespasian restored stability to the Roman Empire. A successful general commanding Roman forces in Judaea during the First Jewish Revolt, he was proclaimed emperor by his troops in the East. Through careful administration and fiscal reforms, he restored stability while beginning construction of the Colosseum. His coinage is among the most varied of the Empire, including the famous IVDAEA CAPTA series commemorating Rome's victories in the First Jewish Revolt. Vespasian offers one of the best combinations of historical importance, affordability, and variety in the entire Roman series.
Did You Know? Although Vespasian began construction of the Colosseum, it was completed and dedicated during the reign of his son Titus.
Titus
Before becoming emperor, Titus earned fame as the Roman general who captured Jerusalem in AD 70, bringing the First Jewish Revolt to its decisive turning point. As emperor, his short reign witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and a devastating fire in Rome the following year. Ancient authors generally remembered him as a generous and capable ruler. The famous Colosseum sestertius of Titus is considered one of the most celebrated architectural coins of the Roman Empire.
Domitian
Domitian completed the work begun by his father and brother, ruling for fifteen years. Although ancient senatorial writers often portrayed him as tyrannical, modern historians generally recognize him as an effective administrator who strengthened the empire's finances, frontier defenses, and bureaucracy. His reign produced some of the finest portrait coinage of the Roman Empire, and collectors frequently consider his denarii among the artistic high points of Roman numismatics. Minerva appears so frequently on his coinage that she became one of the defining symbols of his reign.
- Galba
- Otho
- Vitellius
- Vespasian
- Titus
- Domitian
The Five Good Emperors: Rome's Golden Age
From AD 96 to 180, the Roman Empire experienced remarkable political stability, prosperity, economic growth, and administrative excellence. The historian Edward Gibbon famously described this era as the happiest and most prosperous period in human history, a judgment modern historians may debate but one that reflects the extraordinary reputation these emperors have enjoyed for centuries. Unlike the Julio-Claudians and Flavians, succession for most of this period was shaped by adoption rather than direct hereditary succession. The pattern ended when Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by his biological son, Commodus.
Nerva
Nerva inherited an empire shaken by the assassination of Domitian. Already in his sixties, he faced immediate challenges from the military. Recognizing the need for stability, he adopted the highly respected general Trajan as his heir, a single decision that changed Roman history and ushered in one of Rome's greatest eras. Historians often credit Nerva's adoption of Trajan with laying the foundation for the remarkable century that followed.
Trajan and Hadrian are profiled in full among the Five Emperors Every Collector Should Own above. Trajan expanded the Empire to its greatest territorial extent; Hadrian consolidated it and produced some of the most beautiful coinage of the Roman world.
Antoninus Pius
Antoninus Pius governed during one of the most peaceful and prosperous reigns in Roman history. Unlike Trajan or Marcus Aurelius, he never personally led the Roman army on campaign, though conflicts continued along several frontiers during his reign. Instead he focused on effective administration, legal reform, economic stability, and careful stewardship. The title "Pius" was traditionally associated with his devotion to his adoptive father Hadrian, particularly his successful effort to secure Hadrian's deification, though ancient sources offer several explanations for the honorific. His coinage is abundant, beautifully engraved, and among the best values available in Roman collecting today. His attractive silver denarii often cost less than those of many less significant emperors.
Marcus Aurelius is profiled in full above among the essential five.
Lucius Verus (Co-Emperor)
Although not traditionally counted among the Five Good Emperors, Lucius Verus deserves attention. He ruled jointly with Marcus Aurelius, marking the first sustained co-emperorship in Roman history. While Marcus Aurelius largely remained in Rome, Lucius Verus assumed overall command of the eastern campaign against Parthia, though much of the battlefield leadership was carried out by experienced generals. His reign also coincided with the outbreak of the Antonine Plague, one of the most devastating pandemics of antiquity. He was one of the first Roman emperors regularly depicted with a full, carefully styled beard.
Commodus
The remarkable era of the Five Good Emperors ended with Commodus, the son of Marcus Aurelius, who abandoned the adoptive succession that had characterized much of the previous century. Ancient historians portray him as increasingly erratic, self-indulgent, and obsessed with identifying himself with Hercules, even participating in staged gladiatorial contests. Modern historians recognize that many ancient accounts are hostile, yet few dispute that his reign marked a turning point in Roman history. He was the inspiration for the film Gladiator.
Did You Know? Commodus reportedly appeared in the arena as Hercules, an image he later promoted through his imperial coinage.
For collectors, this dynasty offers perhaps the finest balance of affordability, availability, beauty, and historical importance anywhere in Roman numismatics. Building a collection of the Five Good Emperors is often considered one of the most rewarding goals in Roman coin collecting.
- Nerva
- Trajan
- Hadrian
- Antoninus Pius
- Marcus Aurelius
- Lucius Verus
- Commodus
The Severan Dynasty
The death of Commodus in AD 192 brought an end to Rome's long era of relative stability. Just as the chaos of AD 69 produced the Flavian dynasty, the turmoil of AD 193 gave rise to another powerful ruling house, the Severan dynasty. For collectors, the Severans offer one of the finest combinations of affordability, historical significance, and artistic portraiture in all of Roman numismatics.
Pertinax
Following Commodus's assassination on New Year's Eve AD 192, the respected senator Pertinax became emperor. An experienced administrator, he immediately attempted to restore financial discipline and reform the Praetorian Guard. His efforts were short-lived: after ruling for just eighty-seven days, he was murdered by members of the Praetorian Guard. His brief reign makes his coinage scarce and highly desirable. Ancient sources report that, following his murder, the Praetorian Guard effectively auctioned the imperial throne to the highest bidder.
Didius Julianus
After the murder of Pertinax, Didius Julianus reportedly secured the throne by promising the Praetorian Guard a larger payment than his rivals during what ancient sources describe as an auction for the empire. His rule lasted barely two months, about sixty-six days, before Septimius Severus marched on Rome and the Senate ordered his execution. His coins remain scarce and popular among collectors completing imperial sets.
Septimius Severus
Septimius Severus emerged victorious from the civil wars of AD 193 and founded the Severan dynasty. A gifted general from Leptis Magna in Roman North Africa, he defeated rival claimants before restoring stability. He strengthened the Roman army, increased soldiers' pay, and expanded military influence within imperial government. He offers exceptional historical importance at prices comparable to many far less significant emperors, and was the first Roman emperor born in Roman North Africa.
Julia Domna (Augusta)
Few Roman empresses played a greater political role than Julia Domna. The wife of Septimius Severus and mother of Caracalla and Geta, she accompanied military campaigns, advised the imperial court, patronized philosophers, and remained politically influential through multiple reigns. Her portraits rank among the finest ever produced on Roman coins, often combining museum-quality artistry with affordable prices, making them excellent introductions to Roman imperial women.
Caracalla
Caracalla remains one of Rome's most controversial emperors. Shortly after becoming sole ruler, he ordered the murder of his brother Geta. Despite his violent reputation, he transformed Roman history through the Constitutio Antoniniana of AD 212, extending Roman citizenship to nearly all free inhabitants of the empire. His reign also introduced the antoninianus, a new silver denomination that would become one of the defining coins of the third century.
Collector Spotlight: Geta. Joint emperor with his brother Caracalla from AD 209 to 211, Geta was murdered during a meeting arranged by their mother, Julia Domna. Caracalla then ordered a damnatio memoriae, attempting to erase Geta from public life by removing his name and image from many monuments and official portraits. Although many of these efforts succeeded, his coins survived in significant numbers, and collectors often seek them because they preserve the memory of one of antiquity's most famous attempts to erase a ruler from history.
Elagabalus
Ascending the throne as a teenager, Elagabalus remains one of Rome's most controversial rulers. Ancient authors portray his reign as scandalous and unconventional, though modern historians caution that many surviving accounts were written by hostile sources after his death. His reign is also notable for his efforts to elevate the worship of the Syrian sun god Elagabal. Before becoming emperor, he served as the hereditary high priest of that deity at Emesa in Roman Syria.
Severus Alexander
Severus Alexander became emperor as a teenager following the assassination of Elagabalus. His reign was heavily influenced by his mother, Julia Mamaea, and initially brought renewed stability. However, growing military pressure along Rome's frontiers exposed increasing weaknesses. When he was murdered by his own troops in AD 235, the Severan dynasty ended, marking the traditional beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century. He offers some of the finest portrait artistry available to beginning Roman collectors.
Through Caracalla's Constitutio Antoniniana, the dynasty expanded Roman citizenship to nearly every free inhabitant of the empire. For collectors, the Severans offer remarkable historical importance combined with exceptional affordability.
- Pertinax
- Didius Julianus
- Septimius Severus
- Julia Domna
- Caracalla
- Elagabalus
- Severus Alexander
- Geta
- Julia Maesa
- Julia Mamaea
- Plautilla
The Crisis of the Third Century: Rome on the Brink
Between AD 235 and 284, Rome endured one of the most turbulent periods in its history. Emperors rose and fell with astonishing speed. Civil wars became routine. Foreign invasions intensified. The empire suffered devastating epidemics, economic instability, and rapid currency debasement. At times it appeared Rome might not survive. Yet for collectors, this remarkable half-century produced some of the most fascinating and surprisingly affordable coins in Roman history. The military reforms begun during this period, later expanded by emperors such as Claudius II, Aurelian, and especially Diocletian, helped preserve the empire for centuries to come.
Maximinus Thrax
The assassination of Severus Alexander elevated Maximinus Thrax to the throne and traditionally marks the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century. Unlike most earlier emperors, he was the first of humble provincial origins to rise primarily through a military career rather than the senatorial elite. Ancient writers describe him as exceptionally large and physically imposing, though many of these descriptions are likely exaggerated. Ancient sources claimed he was over eight feet tall, but modern historians generally regard those reports as legendary exaggerations. His bold portraits make his coins among the most visually distinctive of the third century.
Gordian III
Proclaimed emperor as a teenager following the chaotic Year of the Six Emperors, Gordian III ruled longer than many of his contemporaries and oversaw a period of relative stability. His youthful portraits are among the most attractive of the third century, and because enormous numbers of his coins survive, he remains one of the most affordable Roman emperors for beginning collectors. His silver antoniniani are among the best values in Roman collecting. He became emperor at approximately thirteen years of age, making him one of Rome's youngest emperors, yet his reign lasted nearly six years.
Philip I "the Arab"
Philip I succeeded Gordian III following the young emperor's death during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire. His reign is best remembered for the grand celebration of Rome's millennium in AD 248; according to Roman tradition, the city had been founded in 753 BC. To commemorate the occasion, Philip issued remarkable coinage depicting exotic animals used in the Secular Games, including lions, antelopes, hippopotamuses, and stags. Collectors often build complete "zoo sets" of these animal reverses, a fun and historically meaningful challenge.
Trajan Decius
Trajan Decius sought to restore traditional Roman values during a time of crisis. His reign is remembered for the first empire-wide persecution of Christians for which clear historical evidence survives, as well as for major military campaigns against the Goths. He became the first Roman emperor known to die in battle against a foreign enemy when he fell at the Battle of Abritus in AD 251.
Valerian
Valerian is remembered for one of the most extraordinary events in Roman history. In AD 260 he was captured alive by the Sasanian king Shapur I during negotiations following military setbacks in the East, becoming the only Roman emperor known to have been taken prisoner by a foreign ruler. Shapur I commemorated the capture in monumental rock reliefs that can still be seen in modern Iran.
Gallienus
Gallienus inherited an empire on the verge of collapse. During his reign, the Gallic Empire broke away in the West while the Palmyrene Empire emerged in the East. Despite these setbacks, he introduced important military reforms that helped lay the groundwork for imperial recovery. Collectors especially admire his famous "Zoo Series," featuring animals associated with various Roman deities, including antelopes, centaurs, griffins, goats, lions, and Pegasus.
Aurelian
Few emperors accomplished more in less time than Aurelian. During a reign of only five years, he defeated the Palmyrene Empire in the East, reconquered the Gallic Empire in the West, reunited the Roman Empire, strengthened Rome's defenses with the construction of the Aurelian Walls, and introduced important monetary reforms. His achievements earned him the title Restitutor Orbis, "Restorer of the World." His coinage offers tremendous historical significance at prices accessible to beginning collectors.
- Maximinus Thrax
- Gordian III
- Philip I
- Trajan Decius
- Valerian
- Gallienus
- Aurelian
- Balbinus
- Pupienus
- Claudius II Gothicus
- Tacitus
- Probus
- Postumus
The Tetrarchy and Constantine: Rome Reborn
The Crisis of the Third Century nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. One remarkable soldier-emperor changed everything. Diocletian introduced sweeping reforms that stabilized the empire, reorganized its government, strengthened its defenses, and laid the foundation for recovery. His new system, the Tetrarchy, divided imperial authority among four rulers in an effort to prevent civil war. Although the Tetrarchy itself proved short-lived, it produced one of history's most consequential rulers, Constantine the Great.
Diocletian
Diocletian brought the Crisis of the Third Century to a close through sweeping military, administrative, and economic reforms. Recognizing that one emperor could no longer effectively govern the vast Empire alone, he created the Tetrarchy, dividing authority between two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares). He also reorganized the provinces, strengthened frontier defenses, and issued the famous Edict on Maximum Prices in an effort to combat inflation. Although not all of his reforms endured, they fundamentally reshaped the Roman state. His large bronze folles are among the most impressive and affordable coins of the Late Roman Empire.
Did You Know? Diocletian voluntarily abdicated in AD 305, the first Roman emperor known to retire willingly from the throne.
Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius I
Maximian served as Diocletian's trusted colleague, governing the western empire while Diocletian focused on the East. Galerius rose through the ranks of the army to become one of the principal architects of the later Tetrarchy, winning significant victories over the Sasanian Empire; though remembered for his role in the Great Persecution of Christians, he later issued an Edict of Toleration in AD 311 that ended official persecution shortly before his death. Constantius I Chlorus governed the western provinces and became known for restoring Roman control of Britain after defeating the usurper Allectus. Although he ruled as senior emperor for only about a year before his death, his greatest historical legacy came through his son, Constantine the Great. Following Constantius's death at Eboracum (modern York) in AD 306, his troops immediately proclaimed Constantine emperor.
Constantine the Great is profiled in full among the essential five above. After defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312 and Licinius in AD 324, he became sole ruler, openly favored Christianity, worked with Licinius to grant legal toleration through the Edict of Milan, founded Constantinople, and completed monetary reforms centered on the gold solidus. Although Constantine openly favored Christianity, traditional Roman religious imagery continued to appear on many of his coins during much of his reign.
- Diocletian
- Maximian
- Galerius
- Constantius I Chlorus
- Constantine the Great
- Licinius I
- Maxentius
- Crispus
- Helena
- Fausta
- Constantine II
- Constans
- Constantius II
The Christian Empire and the Fall of the West
When Constantine died in AD 337, he left behind a transformed Roman Empire. Christianity had become an increasingly influential religion, Constantinople had emerged as a new imperial capital, and the gold solidus had become the empire's premier currency. Yet the Roman world still faced enormous challenges. By AD 476, the last emperor in the West had been deposed, but Rome itself did not disappear: the Eastern Roman Empire, centered on Constantinople, endured for nearly another thousand years.
Constantius II
Constantius II ruled during one of the longest and most consequential reigns of the fourth century. Following Constantine's death, the empire was divided among his sons, but after years of conflict Constantius emerged as sole emperor. Collectors know him best for one of the most famous reverse types in Roman numismatics, FEL TEMP REPARATIO ("The Restoration of Happy Times"). The Falling Horseman variety is one of the most collected Roman coin series and an excellent entry point for beginners.
Did You Know? Hundreds of different mintmark combinations exist for Constantius II's coinage, making them especially rewarding for collectors who enjoy attribution.
Julian II "the Apostate"
Julian II remains one of Rome's most fascinating emperors. Raised as a Christian, he later embraced traditional Greco-Roman religion and attempted to revive pagan worship throughout the empire, earning the nickname "the Apostate" from later Christian writers. Collectors especially admire his distinctive bearded portraits, which deliberately recalled the appearance of classical Greek philosophers and earlier emperors such as Marcus Aurelius. He died during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire after ruling for less than two years as sole emperor.
Theodosius I
Theodosius I was the last emperor to rule a united Roman Empire. His reign marked a decisive turning point in religious history: through the Edict of Thessalonica in AD 380, Nicene Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. After his death in AD 395, the empire was permanently divided between eastern and western courts ruled by his sons Arcadius and Honorius, although contemporaries still regarded the empire as a single Roman state.
Honorius
Honorius ruled the Western Roman Empire during one of its most difficult periods. His reign witnessed repeated barbarian invasions, the crossing of the Rhine in AD 406, and, most famously, the Visigothic Sack of Rome in AD 410 under Alaric. Late Roman bronzes from his reign are often inexpensive despite representing one of history's most dramatic periods. According to later tradition, Honorius initially misunderstood news of the Sack of Rome, believing it referred to a favorite pet rooster named "Roma," though modern historians debate the authenticity of this story.
Romulus Augustulus
Romulus Augustulus is traditionally remembered as the last Western Roman emperor, although many historians regard Julius Nepos as the final legitimate Western emperor because he continued to be recognized by the Eastern court until AD 480. Placed on the throne as a teenager by his father Orestes, Romulus ruled for less than a year before being deposed by Odoacer in AD 476. Rather than proclaiming a new western emperor, Odoacer recognized the authority of the Eastern emperor in Constantinople. Because authentic coins of Romulus Augustulus are exceptionally rare, they remain among the great prizes of Roman collecting. After his deposition, he was reportedly allowed to retire to a villa in Campania rather than being executed.
What historians call the Byzantine Empire was, to its citizens, simply the Roman Empire. The emperors in Constantinople continued to call themselves Romans, preserved Roman law, maintained Roman institutions, and struck Roman coins. The Roman Empire did not truly end in AD 476. It evolved.
- Constantius II
- Julian II
- Theodosius I
- Honorius
- Romulus Augustulus
- Valentinian I
- Valens
- Gratian
- Arcadius
- Julius Nepos
Where Should You Start? Building Your Own Collection
Collecting Roman emperors can feel overwhelming at first. Well over one hundred emperors ruled during Rome's long history. The good news is that there is no single correct way to build a Roman collection. Every collection tells a different story. Some collectors pursue every emperor; others focus on a favorite dynasty, denomination, or historical event. The best collection is the one that keeps you excited to learn more. Here are a few popular approaches.
- Constantine the Great
- Diocletian
- Gordian III
- Septimius Severus
- Julia Domna
These rulers span nearly 150 years of Roman history while introducing many of the empire's most important events, and certified examples can often be assembled affordably.
- Augustus
- Trajan
- Hadrian
- Marcus Aurelius
- Constantine the Great
- Maximinus Thrax
- Gordian III
- Philip I
- Trajan Decius
- Valerian
- Gallienus
- Aurelian
- Augustus (Julio-Claudian)
- Vespasian (Flavian)
- Trajan (Nerva-Antonine)
- Septimius Severus (Severan)
- Diocletian (Tetrarchy)
- Constantine the Great (Constantinian)
- Theodosius I (Theodosian)
Which Emperors Are the Most Affordable?
Some of Rome's greatest rulers remain remarkably accessible. The relative ordering below reflects typical certified starting points, from the most affordable upward. Actual prices vary by denomination, grade, and market.
Which Emperors Are the Hardest to Collect?
Some emperors remain legendary challenges, including Didius Julianus, Pertinax, Otho, Vitellius, Romulus Augustulus, Gordian I, and Gordian II. Even rulers who issued substantial coinage can present challenges in certain forms: Julius Caesar struck extensive coinage, but his famous lifetime portrait denarii command significant premiums and are among the most sought-after coins in all of Roman numismatics. Finding authentic examples often requires years of patience.
Don't chase rarity first. Chase curiosity. Buy the emperor whose story fascinates you.
Read about that ruler. Learn the legends. Understand the symbolism. Discover why that coin was struck. Then buy another. Before long, you'll realize something remarkable has happened. You didn't just build a coin collection. You built a timeline of one of history's greatest civilizations.
History Wasn't Just Written. It Was Minted.
Every Roman coin once passed through someone's hands: a merchant, a soldier, a senator, an emperor. For centuries, these coins paid wages, supported commerce, spread imperial propaganda, and connected millions of people across three continents. Today they offer something just as remarkable: a direct, tangible connection to the ancient world.
If I could recommend just five coins to begin with, they would be Augustus, the founder of the Empire; Trajan, who oversaw Rome's greatest expansion; Septimius Severus, a military reformer and one of the finest portrait series at affordable prices; Gordian III, one of the best values in all of Roman numismatics; and Constantine the Great, affordable, historically transformative, and available in countless varieties. Together these five span more than three centuries and tell the story of Rome's rise, expansion, military transformation, crisis, and enduring legacy.
One of the most common mistakes new collectors make is waiting. There is no perfect first coin. Every experienced collector remembers their first Roman coin with affection, not because it was the rarest or most expensive, but because it was the one that started the journey. Whether you begin with a modest bronze of Constantine or someday include an emperor as elusive as Pertinax or Romulus Augustulus, every coin becomes another chapter in your own journey through the ancient world.
When you hold an authentic Roman coin, you're holding something that participated in history, not merely something that commemorates it. Every collection begins with a single coin. Now it's your turn.
You're not simply collecting metal. You're collecting history.
History wasn't just written. It was minted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Roman emperor should I collect first?
For most beginners, Constantine the Great is the ideal first Roman emperor: historically transformative, widely available, affordable, and struck in countless varieties. Trajan, Vespasian, Septimius Severus, and Gordian III are also excellent starting points.
Are Roman emperor coins expensive?
Not necessarily. Because Rome struck coins in enormous numbers, many historically important emperors, including Constantine, Constantius II, Diocletian, and Gordian III, are among the most affordable authentic ancient coins available. Others, such as Otho, Pertinax, or Romulus Augustulus, are genuinely scarce and command much higher prices.
Can I own a coin of Julius Caesar?
Yes, though his famous lifetime portrait denarii are among the most expensive Roman coins. Many collectors on a smaller budget begin with his Elephant Denarius, which is historically significant even though it does not depict his portrait.
What is the "Tribute Penny"?
It is the denarius of Tiberius long associated, though not definitively identified, with the coin mentioned in the Gospels. It is one of the most sought-after coins among Biblical collectors.
Are these coins authenticated?
Every coin sold by Kinzer Coins is guaranteed authentic, and many are certified by NGC Ancients, one of the world's leading third-party authentication services for ancient coins.
Begin Your Roman Emperor Collection
Authentic NGC-certified Roman coins, guaranteed authentic, with 30-day returns. Start with the ideal first emperor, or build toward the complete imperial timeline.
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