Aes Grave (heavy bronze), appearing sometime around 269 BC, came in several denominations, making them more functional and popular. Within only a few years of the introduction of the Aes Signatum, a new more clearly defined, and easily traded form of coin replaced it. This system obviously carried inherent problems and would very quickly be in need of a replacement.Ĭoins in Different Denominations Made Trading Much Easier This rather hefty weight, however, along with the single denomination made making change a fragment cutting affair. Each was cast at a weight standard of 1600 grams so weighing by traders would not have to be done at each transaction. The Aes Signatum carried a particular value and were cast with marks indicating the government authority. These were more than lumps of metal, in that they were cast, had a regular and discernable rectangular shape and were stamped with raised designs. The first true Roman coin, the Aes Signatum (signed bronze), replaced the Aes Rude sometime around the start of the 3rd century BC. and the Difficulty of Giving Change!Īs time passed and the circulation of Aes Rude became more common, the Romans and their neighbors began to rely on this simple system of economic transfer. These lumps, called Aes Rude (raw bronze), could be used not only as coinage but also in large enough quantities, they could be melted down for the manufacturing of various metal tools and objects. All manner of trade goods, farm products, livestock and services were used as a means of exchange.Īs Rome grew, and the need for a system other than barter with it, lumps of bronze and other base metals began to be used in lieu of the exchange of one good for another. The Roman economy, from its founding and establishment as a Republic, through to the fifth and fourth centuries BC was a system of barter and community trade.
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