Helveticoins
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Helveticoins
Shop authentic Roman coins (denarii, antoniniani, sestertii and more) from a Swiss-based dealer. Every coin is vetted for authenticity and shipped securely from Switzerland.
Collectors in Switzerland value clear provenance, conservation, and fair grading. Our catalog focuses on coins from the Roman Republic and Empire, with a practical emphasis on authenticity and condition. Explore our most recent arrivals and timeless pieces below.
When evaluating a Roman coin, consider weight, diameter, style, patina, and surface quality. We provide high-resolution photos and concise notes so you can assess each piece with confidence.
As, bronze, Rome mint Description: Obverse with a heavily worn portrait of Trajan facing right; only the emperor’s name Traianus remains legible. Reverse completely worn and without identifiable type or legend. Despite the strong wear, the coin can be securely identified as an As based on its diameter and weight. Historical context: Trajan is regarded as one of the greatest Roman emperors, under whom the Empire reached its maximum territorial extent. Ases were everyday bronze coins that circulated extensively, which explains the severe wear often encountered on surviving examples. Such pieces illustrate the long and intensive use of small bronze denominations in Roman daily life.
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Sestertius, Bronze, Rome mint Description: Obverse with laureate and draped bust of Trajan facing right; legend IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P. Reverse depicting Fortuna Redux seated left on a low chair, feet resting on a footstool, holding a rudder set on the ground in the right hand and a cornucopia in the left; legend SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS, with S C in the field and FORT RED in the exergue. The reverse symbolizes safe return and the guiding fortune of the emperor. Historical context: Trajan, honored by the Senate as Optimus Princeps, led the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial expansion. Large bronze sestertii served as prominent vehicles of imperial propaganda. The depiction of Fortuna Redux relates to successful campaigns and the emperor’s safe return under divine protection.
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Æ As / Dupondius, Rome mint Description: Obverse with laureate head of Trajan facing right; legend IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M. Reverse depicting Victory flying left with spread wings, holding a palm branch in the left hand and a shield inscribed SPQR in the right; legend TR POT COS IIII P P with S C in the field. The reverse celebrates military success sanctioned by the Senate and People of Rome. Historical context: Trajan is regarded as one of Rome’s greatest emperors and military commanders, under whom the Empire reached its maximum territorial expansion. His reign was marked by successful campaigns along the Rhine frontier and, most notably, the Dacian Wars, which resulted in the annexation of Dacia. Coin types featuring Victoria emphasize imperial victories and the close ideological link between the emperor, the Roman army, and the authority of the Senate (SPQR).
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Silver Denarius, Rome mint Description: Obverse with laureate bust of Elagabalus facing right, with imperial titulature. Reverse depicting Sol standing, raising the right hand in a gesture of blessing or power; legend P M TR P IIII COS III P P. The reverse emphasizes the emperor’s association with the solar deity and divine authority. Historical context: Elagabalus promoted the cult of the Syrian sun god Sol Elagabal as the supreme deity of the Roman state. Coin types featuring Sol reflect this religious policy and the emperor’s attempt to legitimize his rule through divine favor. His controversial reign ended in AD 222 with his assassination and subsequent damnatio memoriae.
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Silver Denarius, Rome mint Description: Obverse showing a laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right; the legend is partially worn but identifiable as SEVERVS AVG PART MAX. Reverse depicting Victory flying left, holding an open wreath above a shield set on a base; the reverse legend is not fully legible but corresponds to the type P M TR P VIII COS II P P. Both obverse and reverse are identifiable, though some details are indistinct due to wear. Historical context: The title PART MAX refers to Septimius Severus’ victories over the Parthian Empire and his image as a successful military commander. Coin types featuring Victory were used to celebrate these achievements and to legitimize imperial authority through military success. Such issues reflect the emperor’s efforts to emphasize stability and lasting glory after a period of civil war.
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Silver Denarius, Rome mint Description: Obverse with laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right; legend SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Reverse depicting Fortuna Redux seated, holding a rudder and a cornucopia; legend FORTVNA REDVX. The reverse symbolizes safe travel, divine guidance, and the fortunate return of the emperor. Historical context: Septimius Severus established the Severan dynasty after a period of civil war and political uncertainty. Coin types featuring Fortuna Redux were commonly issued in connection with imperial journeys or returns, emphasizing divine protection and stability. The imagery reflects the emperor’s effort to project security and continuity throughout the empire.
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Bronze follis (nummus) of Constantine I the Great, struck at the Ticinum mint. Obverse: Laureate bust of Constantine I facing right. Legend: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG Reverse: Sol Invictus, radiate and nude except for a chlamys over the left shoulder, standing left, raising the right hand and holding a globe in the left. Legend: SOLI INVICTO COMITI Mintmark ST in exergue; cross in left field, star in right field. This issue is regarded as one of the earliest appearances of Christian symbolism on circulating coinage, marking a key moment in Constantine’s religious policy and imperial propaganda.
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Authentic ancient Roman bronze follis of Constantine I the Great, struck at the Alexandria mint during the later years of his reign. Obverse: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I facing right. Legend: CONSTANTINVS AVG (variant). Reverse: Two legionary soldiers standing facing each other, each holding a spear and resting a hand on a shield; one military standard between them. Legend: GLORIA EXERCITVS Mintmark of Alexandria in the exergue. This celebrated reverse type honors the glory, unity, and loyalty of the Roman army, the central pillar of Constantine’s power and reforms.
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Barbarous imitation of an antoninianus of Tetricus I, produced during the final years of the Gallic Empire. These unofficial issues copy regular imperial coin types but were struck outside official mints. Obverse: Crude, stylized radiate bust facing right or left. Legend usually abbreviated, blundered, or rendered as a pseudo-legend. Reverse: Stylized standing figure holding attributes in both hands. Legend typically illegible or schematic, imitating official types such as PAX, SPES, SALVS, or VICTORIA. Such imitations were created to compensate for severe coin shortages and circulated widely as small change. Important evidence of the monetary and political instability of the late 3rd century.
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Billon antoninianus of Postumus, struck at the mint of Treveri (modern Trier) during his reign as emperor of the Gallic Empire. Obverse: Radiate bust of Postumus facing right, holding a club over the right shoulder; a lion’s skin draped over the left shoulder with strap across the heroically bare chest (Herculean type). Legend: POSTVMVS AVG Reverse: Pax standing left, holding a branch in her right hand and a sceptre in her left. Legend: PAX AVG This obverse type deliberately associates Postumus with Hercules, symbolizing strength and legitimacy, while the reverse emphasizes peace and stability under his rule. The Trier mint produced some of the finest and most iconographically ambitious issues of the Gallic Empire. Historical Context Postumus established the Gallic Empire in AD 260 amid the Crisis of the Third Century, ruling Gaul, Britain, and parts of Hispania independently from Rome. He maintained strong frontier defenses along the Rhine and promoted stability through effective administration. His coinage blends traditional Roman imagery with powerful personal symbolism, reinforcing his authority during a period of fragmentation.
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Billon antoninianus of Tetricus I, struck at the mint of Colonia Agrippinensium (modern Cologne) during the final years of the Gallic Empire. Obverse: Radiate, cuirassed bust of Tetricus I facing right. Legend: IMP TETRICVS PF AVG Reverse: Salus standing left, holding a patera in the right hand and a rudder in the left, feeding a serpent rising from an altar (altar sometimes absent depending on die). Legend: SALVS AVGG This reverse type emphasizes the health and well-being of the emperors (Augusti), a common propagandistic theme during the politically unstable final phase of the Gallic Empire. Cologne issues of Tetricus I are characterized by simplified engraving and billon fabric typical of the Crisis of the Third Century. Historical Context Tetricus I ruled as the last emperor of the Gallic Empire during a period of severe military and economic stress. His reign ended in AD 274 when he surrendered to Emperor Aurelian, leading to the reintegration of the western breakaway empire into the Roman state. Coins such as this illustrate both the ideological messaging and the declining monetary standards of the late 3rd century.
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Roman silvered antoninianus of Emperor Gallienus, struck at the mint of Antioch during the mid–3rd century AD. Obverse: Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gallienus facing right. Legend: GALLIENVS AVG Reverse: Virtus standing left, holding a shield and spear; star in the upper left field. Legend: VIRTVS AVG This issue emphasizes imperial courage and military strength during a period of intense external threats and internal instability. The Antioch mint is known for distinctive stylistic features, including the use of control marks such as stars in the field. Well-defined example of a Crisis of the Third Century antoninianus. Historical Context Gallienus ruled during one of the most turbulent periods of Roman history, marked by invasions, civil wars, and economic disruption. Despite these challenges, he introduced important military reforms and relied heavily on cavalry forces. Coins bearing the Virtus type reinforced the emperor’s image as a courageous and capable military leader at a time when imperial authority was under constant pressure.
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Head of Vespasian facing right, usually laureate. Legend with imperial titulature (varies by issue). Reverse: Personification of Pax standing, usually facing left, holding symbols of peace such as an olive branch and a caduceus or sceptre (depending on the variety). Legend: PAX Field: SC (Senatus Consulto – issued by decree of the Senate) This reverse type celebrates the restoration of peace and stability after the civil wars of AD 69. A classic and historically meaningful bronze issue of the early Flavian period. Historical Context Vespasian emerged victorious from the Year of the Four Emperors and founded the Flavian dynasty. His reign brought political stability, financial reform, and major building projects, including the beginning of the Colosseum. Pax types on his coinage deliberately emphasize his role as restorer of peace.
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Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I facing right. Legend: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG (Imperator Constantine Augustus) The Roman state deity (often Sol or a personification of Roman renewal, depending on the exact type), standing, holding symbolic attributes of stability and prosperity; reverse type associated with imperial renewal and authority. Legend: varies by issue (commonly imperial virtues or renewal formulas). Mintmark: Treveri (TR / PTR / STR variants in the exergue, depending on emission). Historical Context Constantine I, later known as Constantine the Great, was one of the most influential emperors in Roman history. Rising to power during the Tetrarchic period, he eventually emerged as sole ruler of the Roman Empire after defeating his rivals. His reign marked a turning point in antiquity, most notably through the Edict of Milan (AD 313), which granted religious tolerance to Christianity, and through his foundation of Constantinople, destined to become the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
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Ancient Roman billon follis of Constantius I Chlorus, struck during his tenure as Caesar under the Tetrarchy. The coin was minted in Carthage and belongs to the distinctive African issues of the Diocletianic monetary reform. Obverse: Laureate head of Constantius I Chlorus facing right. Legend: CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES Reverse: Personification of Carthage, standing facing, head turned left. She holds ears of grain in her right hand and a palm branch with dates in her left, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and Africa’s vital role in supplying Rome with grain. Legend: SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART (“For the safety of the Augusti and Caesars – Happy Carthage”) Exergue: Γ (officina mark of the Carthage mint) This reverse type emphasizes the loyalty and prosperity of the African provinces and represents one of the most characteristic Carthaginian issues of the Tetrarchic period. Historical Context Constantius I Chlorus was one of the four rulers of the Tetrarchy established by Diocletian and governed the western provinces as Caesar. He was an effective military commander and capable administrator, particularly in Gaul and Britain. His lasting historical importance lies in being the father of Constantine the Great, who would later transform the Roman Empire.
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Description: Obverse with laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right; legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P COS II. Reverse depicting a standing personification holding a cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and prosperity; reverse legend COS IIII. The type belongs to the civic-oriented coinage of Antoninus Pius, emphasizing economic stability and well-being. Historical context: Antoninus Pius was one of the Five Good Emperors and ruled during a period of remarkable peace and prosperity. His reign is noted for careful administration, legal reform, and the absence of major military conflicts. The coinage of this era reflects these values through themes of abundance, order, and stability.
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Silver Denarius, Rome mint, AD 156/157 (TR POT XX · COS III) Description: Obverse with laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right, with imperial titulature including TR POT XX COS III. Reverse depicting Ceres seated on a throne, holding her attributes; a snake at her feet, symbolizing fertility, renewal, and the chthonic forces of the earth. The type emphasizes agricultural abundance and the stability of Rome’s grain supply. Historical context: Antoninus Pius presided over one of the most peaceful and prosperous reigns of the Roman Principate. His coinage focuses on civil virtues and economic well-being rather than military achievement. The imagery of Ceres with a serpent underscores continuity, prosperity, and the reliable provisioning of the empire during a period of exceptional internal stability.
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Silver Denarius, Rome, AD 112 References: RIC II Trajan 287 · BMCRE 440 · Cohen 451 Description: Obverse with laureate bust of Trajan facing right, with a fold of the cloak visible on the front shoulder and behind the neck; legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P. Reverse depicting Victory standing right, left foot resting on a helmet, inscribing DA / CI / CA on a shield set against a palm tree; legend SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI. The reverse commemorates Trajan’s victories in Dacia, with the inscription on the shield explicitly naming the conquered province. Historical context: This reverse type belongs to the celebratory coinage issued after the successful conclusion of the Dacian Wars. The title OPTIMO PRINCIPI (“to the best ruler”) reflects the exceptional esteem in which Trajan was held by the Senate and the Roman people. The type is rare within this emission and highlights the central importance of the Dacian victories to Trajan’s imperial image.
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Silver Denarius, Rome mint, AD 134–138 Description: Obverse with laureate head of Emperor Hadrian facing right; legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. Reverse depicting the Roman goddess Fortuna standing left, holding a patera in the right hand and a cornucopia in the left; legend FORTVNA AVG. The reverse type emphasizes good fortune, prosperity, and divine favor for the emperor and the Roman state. Historical context: Hadrian pursued a policy of consolidation and internal stability rather than territorial expansion. The image of Fortuna reflects the desire to proclaim divine support and a favorable future for his reign. His rule is remembered as a period of relative peace and cultural flourishing within the Roman Empire.
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Obverse with radiate and draped bust of Valerian I facing right; legend IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG. Reverse depicting Mars standing right, holding a spear in the right hand, with the left hand resting on a shield; legend VICTORIAE AVGG. The reverse type emphasizes military victory and the unity of the Augusti, Valerian I and his son Gallienus, during a period of constant warfare. Historical context: Valerian I ruled at the height of the Crisis of the Third Century, when the Roman Empire faced simultaneous threats on multiple frontiers. His coinage frequently employed martial imagery to project strength and imperial authority. Despite these efforts, his reign ended in AD 260 with his capture by the Sasanian king Shapur I, a unique and symbolic moment in Roman imperial history.
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Obverse with laureate and draped bust of Emperor Hadrian facing right. Reverse depicting Africa reclining left, wearing an elephant-skin headdress, holding a scorpion and a cornucopia; at her feet a basket containing ears of grain and poppy heads. The reverse celebrates the fertility and agricultural wealth of the province of Africa, a key grain supplier to Rome. Historical context: Hadrian is known for consolidating the Roman Empire and strengthening its provinces rather than pursuing territorial expansion. Provincial personifications such as Africa reflect his policy of integration and respect for regional identities. The province of Africa played a vital role in sustaining Rome through its grain production, symbolized by the agricultural attributes on this coin.
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Obverse with radiate and draped bust of Tetricus II facing right; legend C PIV ESV TETRICVS CAES. Reverse depicting Spes Publica advancing left, holding a flower in the right hand and lifting her skirt with the left; legend SPES PVBLICA. The reverse type symbolizes hope and optimism for the future during the final phase of the Gallic Empire. Historical context: Tetricus II was elevated to Caesar by his father, Tetricus I, in an attempt to secure dynastic continuity within the Gallic Empire. Coin types emphasizing Spes reflect the propagandistic effort to project stability in a time of political uncertainty. In AD 274, the Gallic Empire came to an end when it was reintegrated into the Roman Empire under Emperor Aurelian.
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Obverse with laureate and cuirassed bust of Constantine I facing right, draped over the shoulder and seen three-quarters from the front; legend CONSTANTINVS P F AVG (“Constantinus Pius Felix Augustus”). Reverse depicting Sol Invictus, radiate and nude, with cloak over the shoulder, standing right and facing left, raising the right hand and holding a globe in the left; legend SOLI INVICTO COMITI (“To Sol Invictus, the companion”), mintmark BTR in the exergue. The type emphasizes divine favor and imperial authority through association with the invincible sun god. Historical context: Constantine I emerged as sole ruler after the collapse of the Tetrarchic system. In the early years of his reign he employed traditional solar imagery, especially Sol Invictus, to express divine support and universal power. His later reforms, including the Edict of Milan (AD 313) and the foundation of Constantinople, permanently reshaped the Roman world.
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Obverse with radiate and cuirassed bust of Emperor Probus facing right, wearing a paludamentum; legend IMP C PROBVS P F AVG (RIC bust type F). Reverse showing Virtus standing left, holding shield and spear in the left hand and raising in the right a statuette of Victory, who crowns her with a wreath; legend VIRTVS AVG. Exergue: QXXT, indicating the fourth officina of the mint of Ticinum.
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