Roman currency for most of
Roman history consisted of
gold,
silver,
bronze,
platinum and
copper coinage. From its introduction to the
Republic, during the third century BC, well into
Imperial times, Roman currency saw many changes in form, denomination, and composition. A persistent feature was the inflationary debasement and replacement of coins over the centuries. Notable examples of this followed the reforms of
Diocletian. This trend continued into
Byzantine times.