Roman currency primarily consisted of coins made from various metals, including gold, silver, bronze, and copper. The most common coins were the denarius, a silver coin that became the standard currency for trade and commerce. Other important coins included the sestertius and the as, which were used for smaller transactions. The value of Roman coins was often determined by their metal content and weight. Over time, the Roman Empire experienced inflation, leading to a decline in the quality of coins. Despite these challenges, Roman currency played a crucial role in facilitating trade across the vast territories of the Roman Empire.