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What Could You Buy with 1 Denarius?

Published in Roman Currency 2 mins read

In Ancient Rome, a single Denarius, a standard silver coin, held a practical amount of purchasing power, sufficient to acquire several essential goods and services for daily living. This coin was a significant part of the Roman economy, often representing a day's wages for an unskilled laborer or soldier.

The value of a Denarius could cover basic necessities and even specific services, though larger or more luxurious items would naturally require multiple Denarii or other coin denominations. Understanding its purchasing power gives insight into the daily life and economy of the time.

Examples of Purchasing Power for 1 Denarius

Here’s a breakdown of what one Denarius could typically buy:

Item/Service Cost in Denarii Quantity Purchasable with 1 Denarius
Loaf of bread 0.2 denarii 5 loaves
1 kilogram of butter 0.8 denarii 1.25 kilograms
Tunic cleaning 1 denarius 1 cleaning service
Modius (8.73 liters) of grain 3 denarii Approximately 0.33 modius (not a full unit)

From this, we can see that 1 Denarius was quite versatile for everyday needs:

  • Sustenance: You could purchase a decent amount of food, such as five loaves of bread or over a kilogram of butter.
  • Services: A single Denarius was enough to pay for a common service like getting a tunic cleaned.
  • Staples: While not enough for a full modius of grain (which required three Denarii), one Denarius could cover a significant portion of this staple, or about one-third of a modius.

The Denarius was fundamental to the daily transactions of ordinary Romans, providing access to essential goods and services necessary for life in the Empire.