| Author |
 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,060 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
One of my next purchases will be a coin from the B.C. time such as Ptolemy-era.
I noticed that many of these coins are under $300 USD even though the markings are very clear.
I'm wondering why these ancient coins lack real value. I realize they don't have silver/gold/platinum but the age and limited remaining should make them more valuable, right?
I'm not complaining at all! I'm just trying to understand the dynamic of coin valuation here.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
It depends on the type of coin, it's condition and the amount know to exist. Base metal coins are usually much cheaper than silver or gold coins. I don't consider a coin at $300 to be cheap, one of the reasons I don't collect Greek coins are that they tend to be expensive especially in silver. Even the early Roman Republic Denarius can be expensive.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1411 Posts |
I think that they are very cheap, although the demand is keeping the price down. As people can't afford to put enough food on their table, they aren't buying coins.
There are also not enough collectors to bring the price higher than what it is currently at.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
Quote:
I'm wondering why these ancient coins lack real value. I realize they don't have silver/gold/platinum but the age and limited remaining should make them more valuable, right? This is a huge question, only experience will help you understand prices and there is no (IMHO) reliable pricing mechanism other than actual recent sale prices. I hope Warren doesn't mind me linking to this page which I think is a pretty good explanation regarding 'rarity'. http://esty.ancients.info/numis/rarity.htmlI think its difficult to come from modern collecting to ancients as a lot of 'givens' are turned on their head. I also think a lot of people just assume all ancients are valuable, the truth is these coins fit all budgets from $1 to millions. |
|
Valued Member
 United States
337 Posts |
@BobbyHelmet - Thank you for the link. That was very interesting and useful.
All I know for sure is that I want at least one B.C. era coin in my collection. The question remains as to which one is worthy of coming home with me. That will take a lot of research so that I'm happy with it.
Thank you to everyone else too. I appreciate the insights!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2044 Posts |
If you plan on purchasing a coin, post it here first before getting it. I'm sure that many will have advice for you in regards to the coin.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
If you want just one ancient coin, go for the gusto. Attica, Athens Tetradrachm 440-294 BC these are about 17.0 g of good silver. Its is also the most widely recognized ancient coin there is. Fat, sexy and the ancient "standard" .
Obv. Helmeted head of Athena
Rev. Attic Owl
Check out my avatar... :-)
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
Today I went to a coin show and saw hundreds of BC era coins selling for prices too rich for my blood. I only bought two BC coins and the dealer had more than one example of each one. If he had more customers than he had stock, prices would be higher but as far as I know he went home from the show with the others because this little show only had 50 or so people attending that collected ancients and this one dealer had at least 10,000 coins in stock. Whenever supply exceeds demand, prices stay lower. When 1000 collectors want the 5 existing copies, prices go up. At this show there were 100 people looking at silver dollars for every one looking at ancients. Demand.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
Gil-Galad, I will take you up on that offer to post my purchases here.
AncientNoob- those are nice coins. Ill look into it.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
dougsmit => that is so very true, eh? (ummm, and you're correct, it is economics 101 => supply & demand) ... => that's why I am trying my best to spread the word => ancient coins rock!! => get on board!! ... ummm, but don't bid on the coins that I'm bidding-on, ya darn rookie!!  "rookie" ... ummm, I guess that's the pot calling the kettle, black!!  You seem very keen, FinanceGuru (that's awesome => good luck in your coin-quest!!) ...... ummm, I still tink that you should "fly" the black/skeleton version of your avatar (far more cool)   Edited by stevex6
09/29/2012 6:33 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
|
| |
Replies: 10 / Views: 1,060 |
|
Posted 09/28/2012 1:05 pm
