Just Starting To Collect Roman Coins

I agree with FR. The second is an excellent piece and if I had the budget it may just end up in my collection but alas I don't. I have heard nothing but good things about Cerberus Ancient Coins and the only fakes you have to really worry about on vcoins is as FR said Fouree's which were ancient fake coins meant to fool shopkeepers.

Vcoins is an excellent source and all of the dealers subscribe to the "VCoins code of ethics" which most importantly states that if at any point the coin is determined to be fake you may return the coin.

Lots of fun and eduction here in the Ancient slum of CCF

The best book for the money would be an older copy of Sear ''Roman Coins and Their Values". I believe a used copy can be found for under $30. The prices are out of date and the older editions are less comprehensive than the 'new' ones but they are loaded with the information you will need. Besides an older copy can be carried about with less worry about damaging or losing it.

The legend could be Master of the Universe in Latin.

FR, I got the book online and am waiting for it & the coin in the mail. Because of my budget and because I want to learn more about ancient coins, I probably will wait to buy my next one until I know a little more. I've also tried to find the year the coin was made and I know that Septimius Severus changed the purity of the denarius over time, but haven't been able to find anything. Any advice?

The 2002 edition of 'Sear' lists it as AD 204.
Rev INDVLGENTIA AVGG IN CARTH - Dea Caelestis holding thunderbolt and sceptre seated on lion leaping r.
over water which gushes from rock on l.
Sear #6285 RIC 266

I rather thought the description was slightly 'off'.
The ancients had some interesting ideas about what a 'thunderbolt' looked like.
Often looking like two pinecones back to back with wings or in this case a giant hotdog !

The only hard evidence for the year is the designation AVGG which denotes the official recognition that there are 2 'recognized' emperors. In this case the little monster known as Caracalla who was elevated to the title in AD 198. The next in line Geta was not given the rank until AD 209. To the average collector thats the best date we can be sure of. Somewhere between these two events. Other coins will have more information which can narrow down a date better (COS consul TR P tribune of the people and IMP imperator). By the end of his reign Septimius had an inflationary economy and the denarius showed visible signs of debasement. This coin has no visible evidence this (note the weight of 3.41 grams while the fouree was listed at 2.2) First the coins got smaller then the metal was debased to a point that the silver has a dull appearance. I believe David Sear is making an educated guess on the year but he may have other evidence.

Take a breather after your first purchase and read the history of the first 4 centuries from Augustus to Theodosius. The bios of each emperor in the book are a good start. Then be patient ! Waiting for the good ones to come along is a bit like fishing. And with a few exceptions there will always be another (similar) one to buy.

Again, thanks for the information! I've checked wildwinds now and have started learning more about the abbreviations on the coins as well. I've especially been checking out the Severan dynasty. That was a really cool Septimius elephant coin you posted earlier btw FR.