The denarius appeared around 211 BC during the period of the second Punic War. This new silver denomination replaced the silver quadrigatus. It was lighter in weight and originally tariffed at ten asses indicated by an X on the obverse - the mark of value.

The other silver denominations were the quinarius (half-denarius = eight asses); sestertius (quarter-denarius) and victoriatus. Later, in c. 141 BC the denarius was retariffed at sixteen asses - the mark of value was briefly changed to XVI, only to be replaced again by a 'crossed X', an X with a horisontal bar across the centre.

The officials, usually three members of a college, who were responsible for minting, were known as the tres viri aere argento auro flando feriundo. These moneyers often signed or marked denominations with various symbols or monograms - indicating those responsible for particular issues.

The denarius above is dated to c. 179 - 170 BC.
Obv. Helmeted head of Roma,
three locks under helmet, an earring, and mark of value (X) behind.
Rev. Luna in a biga, horses prancing.
The partially worn monogram TA below the horses
may indicate the moneyer Iuventius Thalna, in exergue ROMA.

The denarius is dated to c. 86 BC.
Obv. Laureate head of Apollo right, thunderbolt below.
Rev. Minerva in a quadriga.