What Is a Quinarius?

A quinarius was a Roman silver coin valued at one-half of a denarius. Its name comes from the Latin word quinarius, meaning "containing five," because when the denomination was first introduced it was worth five asses under the Roman Republic's original bronze standard.

After the Roman monetary reforms that retariffed the denarius to sixteen asses, the quinarius continued to circulate as half a denarius, now equivalent to eight asses.

When Was the Quinarius Introduced?

The quinarius was first struck around 211 BC, when Rome introduced the denarius monetary system during the Second Punic War. Alongside the new coinage, Rome issued a full family of denominations.

Together, these denominations formed the foundation of Rome's new monetary system.

Why Was the Quinarius Important?

The quinarius filled the gap between the denarius and the smaller bronze denominations.

Although the denarius became Rome's dominant silver coin, the quinarius offered greater flexibility for making change.

How Big Is a Quinarius?

Imperial quinarii generally followed similar standards, although both weight and silver content varied over time.

What Appears on a Quinarius?

Designs changed throughout Roman history.

Republican Quinarii

Imperial Quinarii

Like the denarius, the quinarius became an effective tool of Roman political messaging.

Why Is It Called a Quinarius?

The name quinarius comes from the Latin word for "five." When the denomination was introduced around 211 BC, it was worth five bronze asses.

After later reforms increased the value of the denarius from ten to sixteen asses, the quinarius retained its value as one-half of a denarius, becoming equal to eight asses. Its traditional name, however, remained unchanged.

Quinarius vs. Denarius

The relationship between the two silver coins was straightforward.

The quinarius was tariffed at one-half of a denarius and, when newly struck, generally contained about half as much silver.

Did Roman Soldiers Receive Quinarii?

Yes. Roman soldiers were generally paid in denarii or larger accounting units, but quinarii circulated alongside other silver denominations and could be used in making payments or providing change.

Although never the primary military pay coin, the quinarius formed part of the wider monetary system that supported Rome's armies.

Why Did Rome Strike So Few Quinarii?

Unlike the denarius, the quinarius was never intended to become Rome's principal silver coin. Production was often intermittent, with long periods during which few or no quinarii were struck.

Several emperors revived the denomination for regional circulation, military payments, or changing monetary needs, but it never achieved the widespread circulation of the denarius.

Which Emperors Struck Quinarii?

Quinarii were issued by numerous rulers across the Republic and Empire.

Production varied considerably from ruler to ruler, making some reigns much scarcer than others.

Are Ancient Quinarii Rare?

Compared with denarii, quinarii are considerably scarcer. Many rulers struck relatively few examples, and some emperors produced none at all. As a result, collectors encounter quinarii less frequently than standard Roman silver coins.

Despite their scarcity, many attractive examples remain available through reputable dealers and auctions.

Collecting Ancient Quinarii

Collectors appreciate quinarii for being a little off the beaten path.

Because they are scarcer than denarii but often overlooked, quinarii appeal to collectors seeking something a little different. If you're interested in Roman silver coinage, be sure to read our guides to the Denarius, Antoninianus, Sestertius, and Aureus.

Overshadowed by the famous denarius, the quinarius nevertheless played an important role in the Roman monetary system. From the battlefields of the Second Punic War to the reigns of the emperors, this small silver coin provided flexibility in commerce while reflecting the evolution of Roman money from the Republic through the Empire.

From the battlefields of the Second Punic War to the reigns of the emperors, the quinarius reflects the evolution of Roman money itself.

History wasn't just written. It was minted.

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