The Roman Republic
509 BC - 27 BC

Prior to the establishment of the Roman Republic, the city-state of Rome was ruled by kings who were descendants of the mythical twins: Romulus and Remus. During this time, Rome was similar to their Etruscan neighbors and operated more like a tribe or independent city-state with little desire of ability to influence outside of Roma itself. After these kings were overthrown, the Roman Republic was established to govern and manage Rome. Under the Republic, no single individual would hold the power of law, finance, or the military. Instead, elected positions would fill the roles of government with no one person having enough power to overtake another. The highest positions inside of the Republic belonged to the Consuls. Every year, Rome elected 2 new Consuls to serve for a term of one year. These individuals would hold the essential role of commanders or Imperators of the Roman legions. While this division of power would appear to hamper concerted efforts to conquer and expand, Rome was able to gain territories and expand it's power across the Mediterranean. 

Rome did not mint coin during its rule under kings. The closest thing to coins is the Aes Rude. Which was a rough, unshaped bronze that would be traded. During the Roman Republic, Rome minted its first coins. These coins would be known as the Aes Graves and were struck bronze coins minted around the 300s BC. It wasn't until later in 211 BC that the denarius was introduced which would be in use for centuries into the late Roman Empire. 

Coins of the Roman Republic did not depict individuals on the coins. This practice would not take place until late in the Republic era when Gaius Julius Caesar would be the first Roman Consul to place his portrait on a Silver Denarius. Instead, Republic coins followed a very specific style in the early years of the Denarius. On the Observe, the personification of Roma was depicted. On the reverse the goddess of Victory was depicted riding on a chariot or Biga. The responsibility of minting coins fell to the elected officials that were elected and responsible for administration of the Republic's mints and standards. Throughout much of the Republic, these ministers would place their titles and names on the coins themselves. This collection showcases just a few of the many moneyers and their iconography, providing a small glimpse into the period that years later would influence the Constitution of The United States itself.