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Denarius (Roman Era Silver Coin)
Meaning
A Denarius is mentioned several times in the New Testament. This was a silver coin from the Roman era. Also called a Denarii, it was first minted about 211 BC during the Second Punic War. The value of this coin was equal to a day’s wage for the average worker. This was also the type of coin mentioned by the Pharisees in their effort to trick Jesus. The book of Revelation mentions a Denarius. It tells us that during the Tribulation period food will be so scarce that it cost a day’s wage (Denarius) for a single meal. A Denarius was worth about 10 cents when it was first minted, but later rose to 16 cents in value.
It was named so because it was first coined equal to ten smaller “Assarius” coins. The Assarius was a smaller copper coin of less value. However, that value later increased to sixteen after the Denarius was re-tariffed. The Denarii was the principal silver coin of the Roman Empire and was commonly used by all citizens. It became the most common coin in circulation for several hundred years. However, as it slowly diminished in weight and silver content it was finally replaced. The coin that replaced it was called the double Denarius or Antoninianus. The Antoninianus came out early in the 3rd century AD.
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. ‘Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? ‘Show Me the tax money.’ So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” (Gospel of Matthew 16:15-22)
“And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.'” (Book of Revelation 6:6)