An Explanation for the Addition of the Aureus to the Roman Imperial Coinage System

The addition of the aureus to the Roman imperial coinage system has not yet been fully explained, but a convergence of four factors in the 40s bce explains this coin’s introduction and continuation. First, the use of gold coins as a medium of exchange and store of value was easily comprehensible for Romans. Second, the civil wars in the 40s and 30s provided the need for a high value coin so the generals struck numerous aurei. Thirdly, Romans perceived a need for more media of exchange during the debt crisis of the 40s so the coin was readily accepted into common use. Finally, the mint continued to produce aurei to pay the imperial army.