For this reason, although I have decided to give in this second edition a Chronological list of the Republican coinage (confer the preceding chapter), I would explain that I have not added it in order to induce any collectors, just beginning, to follow that classification in their own collections, because I do not consider it right to propose or counsel in an elementary treatise an innovation. which no one has dared to put forward in much larger works; but only because that list may be consulted with advantage by all, and may aid research into the history of the Roman coinage.

199. I admit without reserve that collectors who are just beginning had better classify their coins in the alphabetical system, and so return to that system in giving a list of the prices of the coins.

I know very well that purists in the science would wish this part to have been omitted as unscientific (who holds it as such?); but even from a scientific point of view one must give a proper place to practice, and in order to study the coins it is necessary to commence by understanding them. Hence I do not think the following list of prices will be out of place or distasteful to my readers as it will prove to be a most useful vade mecum in buying or exchanging coins.

The families therefore are placed in this list in alphabetical order, yet under each family will be found grouped the diverse names of the Monetales, and I have marked at the side of each officer's name the lowest price of the respective coins in each metal.

It should be understood that only the coins in that metal or those metals the prices of which are marked on the line belonging to each name are known, and consequently the blank spaces signify that coins of that given name in that particular metal are unknown. Let us take Maria as an example.

There were three mint officers, Q. Marius (150 B.C.) who issued only bronze coins which to day are valued at at least 15 francs. C. Marius C. f. Capito (84 B.C.) who issued only silver money now usually valued at 2 francs; C. Marius Tromentina (17 B.C.) who issued gold coins now extremely rare, valued at least at 2000 francs, and among his silver coins are some which on the other hand are valued at only 15 francs.

The prices indicated in this list are those of the most common coins and one must not infer that there are not other coins, both rare and most rare, belonging to some of the names mentioned. Thus for instance among the coins of C. Marius Tromentina above cited one may buy a denarius for 15 francs, but others, very rare indeed may be purchased, valued at 300 francs at least.

The prices moreover should he understood to be those of specimens in fine condition. Specimens in mint condition are worth

much more than the prices indicated, and specimens in poor condition are valued at less.

The list indeed has been made in such a manner that it may serve as a comparative guide for purchasers or those exchanging coins when such exchange is made with coins in an equal state of preservation.

LIST OF PRICES IN SHILLINGS FOR THE COINS OF THE REPUBLIC