Roman Dupondius

The Roman Dupondius was valued at two Asses, a fact etched into its design with the emperor's radiate crown, which screamed "double" to anyone bothering to look closely.

Struck from brass or bronze alloys, depending on the era and mint, these coins turned up everywhere in the Empire's daily grind. Early ones, from the late Republic, might have used recycled metal from older issues; later Imperial ones under emperors like Trajan were more standardized, though quality dipped as inflation hit. Sizes varied, typically around 25-30 millimeters, but weights could swing wildly based on available resources.

We don't know exact mintages—most records burned with the archives. What survives are hoards, hinting at massive production in the Flavian period.

Spotting a fake? The patina tells tales; genuine ones often show that greenish hue from centuries underground. And if you're thinking these are just copper cousins to the As, well, that's the sort of myth that keeps me up at night.