My First Ancient Coin - Yea!!

FVRIVS - is this the book you're recommending:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...tartIndex=50

Thanks, Jack

Sel - Thanks for the guidance. The analogy helps put things into perspective. Truth be told, I don't as yet have a "direction." I'm very much like a kid in a candy store, so the lesser expensive coins would be more logical and it seems that means probably, for now, bronze/copper examples.

When I began collecting US coins I began with modern issues and gradually branched out with early 20th century coins. Because I knew that date/mint sets of type coins was not practical financially for me, I approached them by purchasing one or two of several issues. That may be my most prudent approach to ancients as well. Again, thank you sincerely. Jack

There is an adage among the collectors of ancients that is still good advice even in the age of the internet: buy the book, then buy the coin.

Most newbies discover that most Greek coins worth looking at are also way outside their budget. Go for it if you have the time and patience to build a collection at the rate of one coin per month. Few do.

I am going to assume that your adventures in Ancients will start with imperial Roman coins. (Republican denarii are fascinating, but can get pricey too in better grade.)

As a beginner/newbie you are still trying to get the "lay of the land" and that means you need to see things in the "big picture" setting that a one volume catalog of ancient coins can provide even faster than online searches. Catalog sites, like Wildwinds, are a great supplement because of the enormous wealth of images, but with a book you can jump around faster.

Hands down one of the first books I would recommend for you is the 4th revised edition of the book Roman Coins and their Values by David Sear, published by Seaby. It is being updated in a multivolume format, so the single volume is cheaper than it was (used) and better for your purposes anyway.

If you think that learning how to read coin legends and identify a coin by its inscriptions and images is part of the thrill, then a close companion to the catalog is the guidebook by Zander Klawans Reading and Dating Roman Imperial Coins.

Let your imagination soar for a while and don't lock in on any one coin type, even though the lowly late Roman bronzes may be what you buy most often. But since you asked, I want to make one comment on the lot of coins you linked to the list. At the early stages of learning how to read coin inscriptions, you should stick to buying coins with clear details and legible legends. Another aphorism among collectors is: buy the best you can afford. That can be tough to do, but there is a corollary that is often harder to practice - don't buy what you can't decipher. As your skill grows you will be able to read coins that no beginner can handle. But for now, resist the urge to add volume.

That said, collecting by the pictures is a common shortcut way to start. Loads of enjoyment can come from that approach too.

In the end, do what gives you the most satisfaction. And do keep coming to the CCF forum and other online groups. Welcome aboard!