Questions - Learning 'Roman Numismatics' Without Spending?

I completely get where you're coming from, when I got the coin bug I wanted to buy coins constantly-but I soon learnt by yearning for coins in hand was not wise. I needed to learn about them, and still do. Slowly but surely I'm getting a better grip on my understanding, this is helping me make better decisions with regards to purchasing. On ebay you will see alot of coins that are 'in fashion' coins, when I was young yoyo's were in fashion-not so much anymore. What I'm getting at with that is, sometimes people will be drawn to 'fashion' coins leaving some great coins lesser noticed-keep an eye out for them.

Stay on this forum, and help people identify there coins. It may seem an odd thing for me to say, but I've learnt alot from doing this. Not long ago I had no idea about coins, and now I chime in when I can. This not only helps the community, but also helps me become wiser and gain more knowledge. Whilst being on here, you will learn alot and meet new people. Networking can lead to good things, some members might be able to help find a better source for you.

Regarding has my new hobby helped with work, it's kind of a reversal for me from a prior job. I was a data centre specialist working with sensitive information. Some of the skills I honed in that job, can gradually be transferred to this hobby. Plus I love history, so it works out really well in regards to learning :). Now I'm an outdoor instructor, and my next ambition is to educate my mind in higher mathematics and a science. I think this hobby helps, not only with keeping the mind sharp, but when you keep learning-your brain enjoys it, in a way that benefits you in the long run :). I feel that many people on here, in one way shape or form gain transferable help from this hobby. Be learning history, identification, research, valuations, grading, counterfeits etc. All of this will sharpen the eye for detail, and I feel this would be complimentary for an up and coming Archaeologist ;).

Regarding the prices, it's good to keep an eye on prices regarding what you should spend for a purchase. But when it comes to coins values in my possession, the value is the history-my imagination takes me on journeys thinking about what a coins been through. I look up the history, then consider what the people who held a coin were like. It's fascinating in that respect. From what I remember your coin(s), were really very nice-why not do a write up on each one. Not only for your record of the coin, but for your personal knowledge bank.

This may sound an odd idea, but maybe you and some of the guys you study with could put money together to get coins? And split them? However this might cause disputes, just an idea.

Hope these answers help in some way, remember every great journey begins with a single step.

when I first started collecting ancients about 15 years ago I would buy large unclened lots. Back than a thousand coins were cheap, not any more. The hobby has grown by leaps and bounds and with some of the import restrictions that have been inacted in the last several years the cost of these coins has tripled. I haven't bought any uncleaned coins in several years now. The few coins that I do buy now I have to save up for, so I feel your pain. There are several members here that sell coins that you can rely on giving you a good deal. You will need the required post count and time here before you can buy. So take that time a learn all you can. Push pointed out the sticky thread that is loaded with tons of excellent information. Keep at it an before long you will have a good collection going.

Michael, in the next couple of weeks, I am going to cull quite a few coins and get rid of them on ebay. You don't have enough posts to be able to PM but if you contact me through ebay uk my name there is annaglaskin, let me have your address and I will send you a few, if you want to pay just postage. I will try and get a few that are not Constantine et al. Some may need a bit of a clean, you just need either distilled water or de-mineralised water (the type you use in car batteries), an old toothbrush and a pick or blade. Some form of magnification is also very useful. It is a great learning process.

I feel like I've said too much in this short stint on this forum, but I mean it; thank you very much. Doing work on coins at university is not possible I'm afraid, although I did try. The university itself does not involve itself with numismatics and the only place where an internship focused on coins was possible recently shut down (or Museum of Numismatics or Geldmuseum) due to bankruptcy.

What I did and will continue to do however is to read the information in all the stickies at the top of this forum. Indeed, trying to identify coins here or even based on pictures on auction sites is probably a good idea. It's good to see some of you manage to enjoy coinage without having a large collection yourself.

Pishpash; I'll gladly take you up on that offer, although I'd gladly wish to compensate you even if just a bit. I'd feel bad for receiving freebies and that really wasn't the aim of this thread. I certainly would love to get some cleaning experience though! Perhaps I can even send you back the ones I managed to identify after cleaning.

Thanks.

Hey Michael, and welcome! My opinion is to rely on forvm ancient coins' attribution toolkit and also this community most of all. These people here have helped me beyond belief. I have ended up learning SO much just reading OLD to NEW posts and gaining an understanding. They go in depth about die casting and we have a list of fake ancient coins and you are ALWAYS welcome to post a picture you see online and get our opinion before bidding. This has become like a family to me and stick and stay and I promise you won't regret it!

I actually went out and bought the book you recommended! It's pretty OK, but it's somewhat basic and I kind of expected more explanations. That said, it's a great way to get a feel for obverses and reverses through the ages. Sometime in the (far) future I'd love to buy the Sears books or perhaps one of Sears' older editions.

But like most of you said, the stickies and the topics in this forum are perhaps the most helpful of all so far!

I totally agree. While I am new to applied numismatics, I own and have read many books and articles by some of the more well known numismatists. Metcalf, Grierson, Blackburn, Kemmers, Pol and Coupland are names some people here will definitely know, and my bookcase has a shelf full of them.

But the coins themselves are only just now revealing themselves to me. I can't wait to learn what they have to say!