A Total Noob Looking For Assistance

Thats Gallienus, from the Zoo series, so named because he issued a load of coins of various animals, mythological and real. This shows a centaur. The legend is APOLLINI CONS AVG - its begging Apollo to protect the emperor. Other deities are envoked in other designs.

Gallienus produced low quality coins (notice how the flan has cracked) and the die engravers were particularly poor in this period. Design wise, its not all that bad, especially the face. However, they are very common. I wouldnt stump up more than $5 for it, given the encrustation and crack.

I think that is an important point for anyone venturing out into the Ancient coin market. Beware of the notion that old=rare. There are many ancient coins that are nearly worthless despite being hundreds of years old.
Don't get burned and Good Luck

Thank you all. echizento I will certainly do that. I'm looking forward to a 'slow' but steady entry into this field...

To begin with I would say just buy what you like, anything that takes your fancy, anything that looks interesting to you. Roman, Greek, other...

Ancient coins can be surprisingly cheap, don't spend big until you know what you like, 'ancients' are a life long pursuit, it seems daunting at first but it is also very rewarding as you accumulate knowledge. Most people change direction after a year or two and specialise in certain areas. Even the 'experts' are still learning so don't worry about being new. Nobody knows everything or has one of everything.

Holding a coin that was made 2000 years ago, doesn't need to be slabbed and that only cost you $20 is a bizarre experience for people who have come from US collecting.

This forum is full of people who will offer years of advice in a friendly manor, welcome to the 'dark side'

Ben seems to have acquired many of my "cheapskate" ways about pricing ancients. Always good to be conservative about these things !

In this case Ben might be a tad too reserved. While both he and I enjoy scrolling through thousands of coins listed for sale (they can be found for $5 ea) most people buying in a store or at shows will need shell out a few more 'pesos' for a decent Gallienus with a centaur reverse. $10-20 would be my comfort range if I was so inclined.

BH gives good advise when he says don't rush. Find a period that interests (or a place) and spend some time looking at the options. I have spent 40 years buying ancients.
Would that I had a few more lifetimes to learn and collect ! My one consolation is that my daughter (age 16) thinks they are "cool". Perhaps she may carry the torch when I make my descent !