The Value of a Denarius in the Roman Empire: Wages and Purchasing Power

The denarius was a key currency in the economy of the Roman Empire, used for several centuries from its introduction in 211 BC until approximately the 3rd century AD. Its value and purchasing power were fundamental to understanding daily life, wages, and the economy of that time. Below, we explore how much a denarius was worth, common wages, and what could be purchased with this coin.