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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,334 |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
Salutations everyone! I am quite new to collecting ancient coins, seeing as how I haven't purchased any yet, but I really want to get a collection going. If anyone here could point me towards the proper resources to research these coins, and get some basic knowledge on collecting them, it would be greatly appreciated!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
ALl the resources one could want are available here in one way or another. Many of the collectors here have contributed to a list of links provided at the top of the thread list. Check'em out.
Do you know what you want to collect? Roman, Greek, Asian, Everything in between?
If your new buy from trusted sources.
www.numismall.com
www.vcoins.com
are two popular spots. Checkem' out.
Welcome Bud.
Welcome.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 to the community There is a thread in this section on Books, video's and download that you should check out. There is tons of information that you can get there. Asks questions, we will be more than happy to help you. |
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
I definitely want to collect Roman coins. Thanks everyone for the helpful replies!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4964 Posts |
and  with ski...nice sticky thread of sources up there! my frist ancient was my avatar coin, didn't really research first just kind of dived in...but I don't suggest you do that, I got lucky. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
popsicles: to the the world of ancint coins! Watch out you don't get hooked! Thirty years ago, I showed a few Roman coins to my niece. She became interested. As she grew up, that interest never left her. These days, she has a few nice Roman coins herself. The biggest difference that first meeting made to her life? She now has a pHd in archeology. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
Yeah, be careful, it's addicting!  The sticky threads on the main page of this Ancients forum is a good place to start, as others have said. Some of the CCF forum members also sell ancient coins, both cleaned and uncleaned. I'm new to ancients too and recently bought uncleaned coins from CCF member Ras Suarez (CCF username "rasiel", author of comprehensive Roman Imperial coin ID books including ERIC, ERIC II, AORTA, etc; website Dirty Old Coins) and from Altai Numismatics (CCF username "jcmworld"). I'm pleased with the purchases and it's fun to clean them and look for identifying clues. For cleaned coins, check out vcoins as Anoob mentioned. Heritage Auctions is also a good source. I've recently bought several lots of beautiful Greek and other coins from Heritage. You have to create and account with them to view full information but it is free and a very useful resource for checking previous auction prices. I don't know your geographic location. There are many good online sources in Europe; not as many in the US. And sel_691-- great story! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I usually recommend to people that they purchase an old copy of Sear 'Roman Coins and Their Values'. They can be found online for a reasonable amount of money and are a good intro to the types and varieties of Roman Coins. The prices are of course are long out of date but you can use the comparative prices to gauge how desirable certain varieties are. Each emperor is listed with a brief 'bio' the Intro section gives an excellent overview of the different types and periods. It is easy to forget that the world of the 2nd century was quite different from the world of the 4th century and the coinage reflects those changes. The reverse of FORTVNA REDUX ("Happy Days are Here Again")is common in the 4th century which tells us very much the opposite ! Your budget will determine the direction you choose.
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Valued Member
United Arab Emirates
283 Posts |
Yup the 2 sites that Ancientnoob presented are amazing. That is only if you do not know where to buy outside that area, because those webstores are trusted. Some people buy from ebay, but I do not recommend that, since many counterfeit. If you insist on buying from ebay, then buy from Top-Rated sellers that never has a complaint against them, and that have thousands of positive feedback. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Now that we know you want to collect Roman coins, what kind of Roman coins?
You have several Periods to choose from...
Roman Republic
Impertorial
Greek/ Roman Provincial
Late Imperial
Byzantine
There are quite a few options try to figure out where you want to go with your collection.
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
I think I want to collect Roman republic coins, however there are many emperors that catch my interest and I would not mind having a coin or two from their respective reigns. For example, I would love to have some coins from the Julio - Claudian dynasty.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
The Julio Claudians are always a good place to start. When I started in the '70s I too found the Republicans very intriguing . From what I have heard from dealers though is that currently the Rep. Denari are 'hot' so be prepared to spend some bucks for better grade coins. Relatively nice first century bronze can still be had in the $50 range although the 'nasty' guys will always command a premium (Caligula or Nero) If you want VF/EF you will need to go closer to $100 apiece and higher. Your budget will be your guide as to which way you go. ebay is by far the best 'bang for the buck' and their are plenty of sellers with good reputations. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
Whoa, I just browsed Ancient Imports for the first time. Tons of interesting coins and the prices seem reasonable! This could be dangerous. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Some good reference book would be very useful for a 'start up' collecor of Roman coins.
FVRIVS RVFVS has the best answer in this regard.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,334 |
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Posted 06/21/2013 10:39 pm
