Roman Provincial coins are coins that were minted in the
Roman Empire by civic authorities rather than by Imperial authorities. Often these coins were a continuation of the original currency system that existed prior to the arrival or conquest by the
Romans.
Alloys
Provincial coins were issued in bronze and silver denominations, though never gold.The majority of the
coins issued by the provincial mints were of
bronze.
Silver coins were common in regions of the Eastern Empire (particularly
Alexandria). In general the issue of silver coinage was controlled by Rome. This was because by controlling the issue of silver coins (
denarius), the Roman government could control and influence events in the provinces. The coins issued by a city were mostly used by the inhabitants of that city in local transactions. When a new region was assimilated by Rome, the Romans would frequently allow the continuation of the original currency as a matter of expediency. Frequently, when a new Colony was formed it would be given authority to mint bronze coins.
Mints
There were over 600 provincial mints during the Roman Imperial Era David R. Sear,
Greek Imperial Coins,Seaby 1982,2001. The mints were located throughout the empire, with a particular concentration in the Eastern portions of the Empire.
The
mint were located in major provincial cities such as
Corinth or
Antioch. There are several cities which are only known by their coins, as there is no historical mention of...
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