‘Penny’ (δηνάριον) is mentioned twice in Revelation 6:6. The RV_ gives marginal reference to Matthew 18:28, where a note states that the coin (which was of silver) was worth about 8½d. The American Revisers’ note renders δηνάριον by ‘shilling,’ which more nearly represents the actual value. During the reign of Nero the denarius suffered depreciation, and its value was as above stated. In the time of Christ it was worth 9:6 pence, or roughly 9½d. (see DCG_, art._ ‘Money’). For its purchasing power, with special reference to Revelation 6:6, see HDB_, art._ ‘Money,’ 11. The denarius, or the denarius-drachm, probably underlies the ‘pieces of silver’ mentioned in Acts 19:19 (see EBi_, art._ ‘Stater,’ with reference to Vulg._). At the higher value the total price of the books burned is about £2000.
W. Cruickshank.