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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,518 |
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New Member
Sweden
4 Posts |
Hi, I just went to Rome. Got very intrested in their history during my short visit and i'd like to buy an ancient coin.
I'm totaly new with this as you can imagine, i'd like some tips on where to buy a silver or gold(expensive I assume?) coin.
Where would you suggest me to start browsing, and what sites are safe from fakes?
I would like a coin from when caesar ruled (name or face on coin) or if there is anything with gladiators (which I find very intresting) i'd like that.
Budget is about 500-1200 dollars
Hope I posted this in the right forum and you understand my request.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
 Agreement on both points:  Let me suggest that when you go to the V-coins site, using the link above, enter the words "Roman soldier" in the search box at the top of the page. It will return 100 coin images that I think you will find useful. However, if you enter "Roman gladiator" it will return a couple of non-coin ancient artifacts that will also fit your budget. Happy hunting. |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
to the community. Vcoins is the place to look. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
$1200 is a pretty big budget for a few coins. Obviously you don't sound interested in the $1 Constantine-era low grade bronzes, but I would start small and diversify as you learn what you want. As a starting point within your budget, you can buy a VF-XF denarius of Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus and Septimius Severus, and still have plenty left in your budget. Vcoins is a terrific site for beginners and very high-end coins, but for the mid-level stuff you can educate yourself on fakes and values, and get perfectly fine coins on ebay for half the price. If you are dead set on a coin of Julius Caesar, the best option I would suggest to a beginner would be a dual portrait coin of Augustus and the deified Caesar; a lifetime Caesar portrait coin is something that most of us haven't been able to afford. The last one I saw went to auction a few months ago and fetched $1100, not including buyer's fees. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
A coin you might want to consider is a Mark Anthony legionary coin
Obviously he is also a big historical name and these coins were used to pay his soldiers... not too expensive either.
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New Member
 Sweden
4 Posts |
Thanks allt guys! I really appreciate it. If you have more tips please let me know
Edited by daemon113
04/08/2017 5:51 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
I got inspired to dig out my own denarii of the emperors I suggested:   I calculated the total cost of that lot at about $340: (Left to right, top to bottom) 1. Vespasian (Vcoins, $50) 2. Titus (eBay, $40) 3. Domitian (eBay, $50) 4. Trajan (eBay, $30) 5. Hadrian (eBay, $60) 6. Antoninus Pius (eBay, about $15 but it was in a lot) 7. Marcus Aurelius (eBay, $25) 8. Commodus (eBay, $25) 9. Septimius Severus (eBay, $45) Plus shipping and numbers are rough estimates, but you get the picture. Edit to add: Also note that pretty much all of these coins are "problem" coins. In the world of Ancients, "problem free" is available, but prices ramp up exponentially. I don't have the budget to get all problem-free, and I prefer the complete historical picture over a few expensive coins. My collection is the best portrait I feel like affording, one per emperor, and viewing problems like uneven flan, weak reverse etc as a way to get more bang for my buck. You can also collect intensively in one area, or pick a theme to collect. Again, emphasis is to not blow all of your money on one coin before you decide what you want. Like my avatar will attest, there is more out there than just Julius Caesar. Edited by Finn235
04/08/2017 11:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
616 Posts |
Finn235 gives several good choices. You might want to consider Commodus since he did occasionally participate in gladiator bouts, and was the emperor portrayed in the movie "Gladiator."
You can easily his coins in the <$150 range in great condition. And as the others have said, buy at VCoins.com.
I would not recommend spending 500-1200 until you decide you want to go deeper into the hobby. Being a newbie with that kind of cash it's easy to get burned.
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New Member
Sweden
4 Posts |
Thanks for the answers! Commodus or marc antony is very nice tips since I'm a big gladiator ( the movie) fan. What do you think about something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARCUS-AURE...57Ciid%253A1 (I'd like the condition to be pretty good) Is this alright? Or is vcoin the place to go even though I'm new in this area :)? If you have some coinrecommendations you could send me a private message or link here. Thanks very much for your informative post guys! So kind of you to help! Edited by daemon113
04/09/2017 10:07 am
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Moderator
United States
34428 Posts |
Quote:
Or is vcoin the place to go even though I'm new in this area? 100% vcoins "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
616 Posts |
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New Member
Sweden
4 Posts |
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Valued Member
335 Posts |
Dont buy at ebay, learn more how youcan see the real silver ones alot off trash there Edited by imperator
04/09/2017 5:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Hi daemon113 to the forum As you've probably ascertained from the responses, that until you've gained some experience in spotting fake coins, it's maybe wiser to buy from reputable suppliers.You can see from the super set of denarius posted by Finn235, the differences in shape, wear ,toning and slight flan cracks,and so can be a mine field out there if you don't know what to look for. All that said you can always post the coin you want to buy here on the forum first and get some feedback before buying it? As for coins maybe a nice Vespasian Denarius "The Emperor who built the Colosseum". Good luck and enjoy! Saludos Paul |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,518 |
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Posted 04/07/2017 1:37 pm
