economedia.ro/cum-au-inceput-romanii-sa-puna-tot-m

The Roman Empire under Marcus Aurelius faced financial pressures leading to changes in coin composition, particularly the silver denarius. Research indicates that the silver content decreased over time, especially during the imperial era. This practice, known as debasement, allowed the state to mint more coins without increasing precious metal reserves. Studies show that while early denarii had high silver purity, this diminished significantly during Aurelius's reign. The economic challenges were exacerbated by military expenditures and the Antonine Plague, impacting the empire's finances. However, the relationship between coin composition changes and inflation is complex and requires careful analysis of various economic factors.