Unlike modern fiat money, Roman coins had intrinsic value. The contents of the gold of the coin itself determined its worth.
The aureus coin for example was set to be minted at 1/40 a Roman pound of gold (8.18grams). Gold per gram currently is $52.98 so ($52.98*8.18)/40 = $10.83
A current quarter can buy 0.00471876 grams of gold which equals 0.1887505 of an aureus coin or $2.04 in todays value.
Unlike modern fiat money, Roman coins had intrinsic value. The contents of the gold of the coin itself determined its worth.
The aureus coin for example was set to be minted at 1/40 a Roman pound of gold (8.18grams). Gold per gram currently is $52.98 so ($52.98*8.18)/40 = $10.83
A current quarter can buy 0.00471876 grams of gold which equals 0.1887505 of an aureus coin or $2.04 in todays value.
So basically you gave them $2… aka they’re pissed