The first Roman emperor, Augustus (reigned 27 BC–AD 14), dictated that he retain his youthful appearance in his portraits throughout his lifetime). The coins were then struck, one by one, in a process similar to how coins are created today.Įarly imperial coin portraits included individualized features that identified each ruler. The tiny images were carved by engravers into bronze dies, with one for the front and another for the back.

Until Late Antiquity, portraits usually appeared in profile. While the front side depicted the sovereign’s portrait, the back was often used to communicate the ruler’s accomplishments or aspirations. Inscriptions on coins help identify the ruler. Thereafter, profile portraits of rulers or other members of the imperial family became the standard subject on coins throughout the Roman Empire. It was not until 44 BC that the portrait of a living person-Julius Caesar-appeared on coins. Early coins depicted the heads of gods and goddesses on the front side, often in profile, while the back depicted animals, natural resources, symbols, and references to historical events. The same was true in ancient Rome, which began producing its first coinage in the late 4th century BC. Portraits of important people appear on local currency all around the world.

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