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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,442 |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
Hello!
I've been looking to buy a denarius for a while now, but have only recently gotten enough money to consider buying a worthwhile one. My question is: what do you think is a good "beginner" denarius? I have about $200 now, but will get a few hundred more soon, so somewhere in the 200-300 range would be best.
I'd like to get one Fine quality or above, and also a prominent emperor if possible.
If not, it's fine by me!
Thanks for your help!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
A few years ago I introduced myself to Roman silver by paying $75 for a very nice (EF-ish) Gordian III denarius. I also wasn't too experienced then, so I probably could have gotten it for less. I bought it at a show from Jason Failla. You could probably get something decent for a similar price if you look around. Good luck, and  to CCF! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Your best bet might be a denarius of Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, or Antoninus Pius; the famous "Four Good Emperors" of the 2nd century AD. All very plentiful, and 200-300 should be able to get you a nice EF-ish example or better. For reference, I paid $215 for this denarius of Hadrian from Vcoins:  Edited by Kefiroth
09/05/2016 2:14 pm
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Moderator
 United States
34430 Posts |
@cmakk1012, first welcome to CCF! Second, I would echo @kefiroth's advice to look on vcoins for this purchase. They have some very good shops there.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
to the community I would also recommend looking at Roman Republic denarius. |
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
629 Posts |
You must have a favorite emperor...
If I were you I would start my collection with a coin of that emperor.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
Always start with number one ! For that kind of 'scratch' you can find a very nice denarius of the emperor Augustus. Common type of course but with pretty much everything you are looking for. Eye appeal ! A quick check of Vcoins found this 'nifty' little denarius of Julius Caesar that while not the prettiest one seems to be in the right price range. An earlier one too (47BC) To be completely open and honest I do some business with this seller but actually had no knowledge of this coin until I just looked. I stay strictly to bronze issues. Antonio is a reasonable fellow and as with most things in life ........ "make him an offer !". He may surprise you ! https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/lu...Default.aspxEdited by FVRIVS RVFVS
09/06/2016 12:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
616 Posts |
Quote:
My question is: what do you think is a good "beginner" denarius? Why are you collecting, and what is the focus of your collection? $200 will get you some decent coins, but before you buy you need to decide why you want a denarius. Is it part of a broader ancient collection and meant to represent Rome, or do you already collect Roman bronze and copper coins? Is it a one-off or do you see it as the seed of a larger collection? You need to answer these questions for yourself. Let us know and we're more than happy to help you find the coin that best meets your needs at that pricepoint. |
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Pillar of the Community
Russian Federation
5177 Posts |
I recently got a denarius for $3* and I'm proud of it. (Will try to post a photo on CCF when I actually take any.)
Better (up to Fine, or even higher grade) examples of the more common types apparently sell for $20-30, or maybe only slightly higher.
So I don't really see the point of spending that much money on a single coin - especially as a beginner.
But that aside, I agree with echizento and Athalbert: either Republican, or whoever's your favorite emperor.
*) For clarification:
Yes, the seller knew it was a Roman denarius, and yes, I bought it individually. Also, yes, I've already identified it, and it's supposed to be a fairly common type.
No, I do not know what the seller was thinking. (Perhaps "hey, some sucker actually bought that silly worn piece of silver".)
Yes, it's possible it was fake, which is why I intend to post photos (though I'd expect a fake to be in significantly better condition, and I couldn't find any fakes for this type on Forgery Network).
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
629 Posts |
Well, I have bought very worn denarii for less of one dollar...
My friend Francisco used to put all the coins that were too worn to be sold in his "silver can"; as a beginner I used to rescue all the ancient coins.
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
Thanks everybody for the suggestions and the warm welcome, I think I'll be posting on here soon with what I buy!
I think I will buy off of Vcoins, as I like the reputation of the website, so thanks for that!
@jskirwin, I do already have some Roman bronzes and the like, so a general Roman collection is the goal for now.
I like the idea of a favorite emperor; I'll give it some thought! I do definitely want a Republican denarius someday, but since I have Imperial coins now I'll focus on that for now.
I've always liked Hadrian...I'll look into him! The problem is I don't have direct access to the money yet, but I should in about a week!
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
629 Posts |
That is not a problem...
It means that you have time to learn about Hadrianīs coinage and to decide what coin do you want to purchase!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
Last word of advise
Alway err on the side of quality ! Better to spend a few dinars more for the one you really want.
You will never in a thousand years ever say
"Gee ...... I wish I had bought the crumby one instead !"
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
That's true, I will focus my interest!
Also yes...I would definitely prefer a quality coin, so I will focus on that!
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,442 |
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Posted 09/05/2016 2:11 pm
