# decussis > denomination of Romain coin during the Republic **Wikidata**: [Q1182127](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1182127) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/decussis ## Summary The decussis was a bronze coin denomination used in Ancient Rome during the Republic era, specifically introduced and withdrawn in 211 BCE. It functioned as a decimal subdivision of the Roman currency system, equivalent to 10 asses, reflecting early attempts to standardize financial transactions. As a short-lived but documented unit, it provides insight into the evolution of Roman monetary policy. ## Key Facts - **Denomination**: A bronze coin equivalent to 10 Roman asses, part of the Republican-era currency system. - **Active Period**: Introduced and withdrawn in 211 BCE, marking a brief experimental phase in Roman numismatics. - **Nominal Value**: Represented 10 asses, aligning with the decimal structure of early Roman coinage. - **Material**: Primarily bronze, consistent with lower-denomination Roman currency of the period. - **Classification**: Subclass of Roman currency, directly linked to the economic framework of the Roman Republic. - **Related Entities**: Connected to the broader concept of "currency" and the historical polity of the Roman Republic. - **Identifiers**: - **Nomisma ID**: `decussis` (specialized numismatic database). - **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana ID**: `decussis` (Catalan encyclopedia entry). - **Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri ID**: `numismatica/1186441` (documented in Spanish heritage systems). - **Visual Representation**: Depicted in the image "Decussis.jpg" on Wikimedia Commons. - **Geographic Use**: Circulated in Ancient Rome, with historical ties to the Roman Republic's territorial reach. - **Documentation**: Featured in 9 Wikipedia language editions (Commons, German, Spanish, Galician, Italian, Kazakh, Lithuanian, Russian, Ukrainian). - **Wikidata Description**: "Denomination of Roman coin during the Republic." ## FAQs **What was the decussis, and when was it used?** The decussis was a bronze coin worth 10 asses, minted during the Roman Republic. It was introduced and discontinued in 211 BCE, reflecting a brief experiment in decimal-based currency. **Why did the decussis have such a short circulation period?** Its withdrawal in the same year it was issued suggests it may have been part of an unsuccessful monetary reform or a transitional phase in Roman coinage, though specific reasons remain debated among historians. **How does the decussis relate to other Roman coins?** As a decimal subdivision, it fit into the broader system of asses, dupondii, and sestertii. Its value (10 asses) positioned it as a higher denomination than the as but lower than the sestertius, highlighting the complexity of Republican currency. **What makes the decussis notable for study?** It is significant for understanding early Roman economic policies and the challenges of standardizing coinage across a growing republic. Its documentation in modern academic and cultural databases underscores its role in numismatic research. ## Why It Matters The decussis is a critical artifact for analyzing the Roman Republic’s monetary experiments, particularly the transition from bronze to silver standards. Its short lifespan and decimal structure illustrate the administrative challenges of unifying currency across diverse territories. For historians and economists, it provides tangible evidence of how early fiscal systems balanced practical trade needs with political authority. Its inclusion in specialized databases like Nomisma and cultural heritage thesauri further solidifies its role in documenting the evolution of economic practices in antiquity. ## Notable For - **Early Decimal Denomination**: One of the earliest examples of a Roman coin explicitly tied to a decimal system (10 asses). - **Short-Lived Experiment**: Unique for being introduced and withdrawn in the same year (211 BCE), sparking scholarly discussion about Republican monetary policy. - **Bronze Standardization**: Reflects the use of bronze for lower-value coins, a practice that influenced later Roman and European currency designs. - **Academic Documentation**: Recognized in authoritative sources like the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana and Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri, ensuring its place in numismatic studies. - **Multilingual Coverage**: Documented in 9 Wikipedia editions, emphasizing its cross-cultural relevance in classical history. ## Body ### Historical Context and Purpose The decussis was minted in 211 BCE, a period marked by the Second Punic War and significant economic strain on Rome. Its introduction aligns with efforts to fund military campaigns through currency reform. However, its immediate withdrawal suggests practical or political shortcomings, such as insufficient precious metal reserves or resistance to decimal subdivisions. ### Denomination and Value As a bronze coin worth 10 asses, the decussis represented a middle tier in the Roman currency hierarchy. This decimal relationship (1 decussis = 10 asses) was an early attempt to create a standardized system, predating the later dominance of the silver denarius. Its value equivalency highlights the Republic’s struggle to balance copper, bronze, and silver coinage. ### Material and Design The decussis was struck from bronze, a common material for lower-denomination coins due to its durability and accessibility. While specific design details are sparse, Roman bronze coins of this era typically featured official emblems or deities, reinforcing state authority through iconography. ### Withdrawal and Legacy The coin’s abrupt withdrawal in 211 BCE remains a subject of debate. Theories include economic instability from the Punic Wars, logistical challenges in maintaining decimal consistency, or a shift toward silver as a primary currency metal. Despite its short use, the decussis is cited in modern scholarship as a case study in early monetary experimentation. ### Academic and Cultural Documentation The decussis is cataloged in the **Nomisma** database (ID: `decussis`), a key resource for ancient coinage, and holds entries in the **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana** and **Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri** (ID: `numismatica/1186441`). Its image is preserved on Wikimedia Commons, and it is referenced across 9 Wikipedia editions, ensuring its accessibility for research and education. These institutional recognitions underscore its enduring relevance to numismatics and classical studies.