Delineation of Ancient and Modern Numismatics

As for the shape of coins, the most common and standard, which is also the most suitable and perfect, is the round figure. Sometimes, however, the shape is also angular or square, and sometimes oblong.

Regarding the origin and progress of the numismatic subject specifically among the Romans: since the Romans lacked other metals, they first used raw bronze metal, and the as libralis a pound-weight bronze coin and the dupondius a coin worth two asses, named from its weight, were weighed out among them. Hence arose the Latin words dispensator steward/disburser, expensae expenses, impensae outlays, pendere to weigh/pay, and stipendium soldier's pay/stipend. See Aulus Gellius, Attic Nights, Book XX, Chapter 1; Pliny, Natural History, Book XXXIII, Chapter 3.