Collecting Ancient Coins - A Classical Tradition

Different coin types attract different personalities.  While Greek coins fascinate collectors drawn to their artistic merit, Roman Imperial  issues attract those who prize their realistic and imposing portraits of emperors and their families. Persian coins have  special meaning to collectors interested in the culture and religion of ancient Iran, and the successors of Alexander issued unusual and attractive Indo-Greek coins in Southwest Asia. Ancient coins were struck in many metals: gold, silver, electrum (a natural gold-silver alloy), brass, bronze, billon  (debased silver), potin, lead and even nickel. Although ancient gold can be expensive, some issues  (notably those of the Byzantine Empire) are very reasonably priced. Silver coins are normally well preserved, however bronze coins often  circulated for long periods and many examples show considerable wear, as well as the effects of natural chemical changes.

Biblical coins offer special attractions to those interested in early Christianity or ancient Jewish culture. Such collectors may seek a "Tribute Penny" denarius, a "Widow's Mite" lepton,  a  "Thirty Pieces of Silver" shekel or coins of Herod and Pontius Pilate.  All these may best be appreciated when presented in their historical context -- the special theme of Classical Coins.

Numismatic literature, in addition to the importance of its content,  is a significant collecting subject. The elegant engraved illustrations of Greek and Roman coins in early numismatic books are treasured today by collectors. Classical Coins offers a wide selection of numismatic books, monographs, sale catalogues and other references. These can be good investments, since they recently have been appreciating even faster than the coins they describe.

Introduction

Ancient Coin Gifts

Ancient Coins

Antiquities

Resources

Jewelry