curriculari

Curriculari are a type of ancient Roman coin, named after the Latin word for "calendar," reflecting their association with the Roman calendar. They were introduced in 44 BC by Julius Caesar to help finance his civil war against Pompey. The coins were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 asses, with 100 asses equal to 1 aureus. The obverse side of the coin typically featured the head of Caesar, while the reverse side showed a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory.

The design of the curriculari was innovative for its time, as it included a date on the reverse side, indicating the year of issue. This was a departure from previous Roman coinage, which did not typically feature dates. The inclusion of a date allowed for better tracking of the coin's age and authenticity. The coins were widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire, and their design influenced later Roman coinage.

The issuance of curriculari coins marked a significant shift in Roman monetary policy, as it allowed for more precise control over the money supply. The coins were also used to pay soldiers and other government employees, further solidifying their role in the Roman economy. However, the use of curriculari coins was short-lived, as they were replaced by the denarius in 27 BC under Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Despite their brief existence, the curriculari coins played an important role in the development of Roman coinage and monetary policy.