Start Collecting Information

to the community.

You will find a lot of knowledge here so feel free to ask questions. Before you start buying coins, spend a little money and buy some of the basic books that are available. Wayne Sayles has a series of books that covers all area of ancient coins. They run about $25 each are excellent. Another excellent book for about $25 is the Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins by David Van Meter. These few books will give you the basics and help you deside what you want to collect. There is also tons of information on the web. And vist us here often and ask questions.

That's also a good one.

First,

We are more than happy to have new people not only join us here on this discussion board, but also to the hobby of collecting Ancients. I started as you did, but it was pennies back in the '50s. In the 80's I changed over from collecting U.S. coins to Ancients and I have never regretted it. These, the Ancients, I can hold in my hand and not worry about getting my fingerprints all over them.

Answering your question will not be easy as we all have our own opinions about these things. Echizento is right about gathering reference materials and the ones he lists are excellent to begin with. Jessvc1 is also correct. There are a lot of good posts that can offer insight into the hobby. Doug will probably tell you that you need to have the references in hand, and again he will be right.

But, I have my opinion as well. Investing in expensive reference materials before you even know if you like this hobby seems possibly wasteful. I think I would start by collecting a coin of reasonable quality/condition and see what references I could find on-line. There are a ton of on-line references, and if you want us to list some, that's not a problem.

Personally, I don't recommend the uncleaned route, but others may. I have never had much success with the lots you can buy. They have been thoroughly examined at least three times for coins of any value before they are sold as uncleaned lots. My experience is 70% of the coins you will get will be unattributable and basically worthless. I succumbed to temptation a couple of weeks ago and purchased a lot of uncleaned provincials. So far, not one is attributable (but I'm still working and hoping). You will pay at least $2 percoin and perhaps have one in 10 worth that amount.

There are plenty of good quality 3rd and 4th century coins for sale on the internet under $10. Take a look at this link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/27087221475..._3374wt_1396

The coin may go up in price, but I doubt it will sell for much more than $10. Shipping is not too expensive on this coin either. That's just an example. This coin is what is called a "campgate" coin. Some people collect the various campgates from each emperor and mint (that's a ton of coins though). It is just one strategy. Look for the "Fallen Horseman" types. They can be plentiful as well.

Stay away from high-end coins unless you work with a dealer with a good reputation. There are too many fakes of these coins and new collectors are the ones to get burned the worse (I know). For good quality coins and reputable dealers take a look at vcoins.com. You may even see something there you would like to buy (I don't know your budget).

My point is, jump in and we will be there to help out. If you have questions (when you have questions), someone here will be able to answer or find the answer for you. The books can come later IMHO. If you want to pick out a coin and ask our opinions, that will be fine too.

I know I have prattled on, so I will end here with another welcome to our community and hobby.

Regards,

JW

If "Biblical coins" are going to be a key collecting focus for you, then yes, get this book. I don't have a copy myself, because Biblicals aren't a major focus of mine - you'll find that once a coin is considered part of the "Biblical" series, the price doubles - but I've only heard good things about the book. I've considered buying a copy sometime, anyway. It is, for example, considered the standard reference work for Jewish Revolt coins and Romano-Judaean copper coins.

I have a certified Byzantine Empire gold coin. It's nice. I guess it all depends on how much money you plan on spending. I bought it when gold was much, much cheaper.

Want to thank all of you again. Gil-galad the links to 'Wildwinds' and the 'Forvm Ancient Coins' sale sight consumed at least four hours of my time today. Thanks so much (I think). MY LORD! I never knew there was that many Imperial rulers from Rome. I am most intriqued with Vespasian, Titus, of course Nero, Tiberius, plus the Biblical coins mentioned in Jesus' time. There is a down side to this though. MY WIFE. I could literally spend a straight eight hours pouring over the Wildwinds site, every day for a month. Unfortunately she'd walk out on me I'm afraid. :)
A quick question. Are the prices on the Forvm sales site pretty accurate for these coins. I know they are in descending value for more common or in poorer condition toward the bottom of their listing. But if I bought a Constantine the Great bronze for $45, am I safe in assuming that it would actually be worth that amount? Thanks again.

When you buy from a full service, good reputation, unquestionably honest dealer that provides hand holding along with the coin you pay a bit extra for the added comfort than you could expect to pay buying a similar coin from one of us here on the list. If you turned around and tried to sell that $45 Constantine to a dealer I doubt you would get $20 --- perhaps $10. Many dealers would refuse to make an offer unless they saw something unusual in the coin since common Constantines are easily available and they might not want to tie up cash in buying another. If you are interested in making money on coins, ancients may not be the way to go. Most of us are here because we like the things. We occasionally accidentally make a good buy that might turn a profit in a short time but usually will have to wait a while before the wholesale market catches up. I consider the money I spent on coins last year a lot like the money I spent in restaurants. It is gone but I enjoyed it while it was leaving. The coins are at least worth more that yesterday's supper. My grandson may someday sell my collection and may even get as much for them as I paid for the coins, for the books, for the gas driving to coin shows etc. etc. etc. A coin is worth what you are willing to pay for it. For $45, I'd expect quite a nice Constantine but I am known as a cheapskate.