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Collecting Ancient Coins: Get The Facts

13 February 2016

Danielle Lopez

Many coin collectors in the United States focus on collecting U.S. coins such as Lincoln pennies or Buffalo nickels, but it's also possible to branch out into other areas of the hobby. One intriguing idea is to start a collection of ancient coins. This article takes a closer look at collecting these fascinating coins.  

Definition  

The term "ancient coin" is a general term in the field of numismatics (coin collecting). An official definition does not exist. Most coin experts use the term to refer to coins that were made by cultures of the classical period of antiquity, such as those of Ancient Rome and Greece. The majority of ancient coins are over 1600 years old, with some coins being as much as 2600 years old.

Availability 

Despite the common perception that ancient coins are extremely rare and are only held by museums and wealthy private collectors, this is not the case. Many types of ancient coins exist in significant quantities, as these coins are often discovered during the construction of modern buildings on sites where ancient structures once stood. Ancient coins are also frequently dug up by treasure seekers hoping to sell any coins that they find for a profit. 

Cost 

The cost of collecting ancient coins need not be inordinately expensive. Some types of ancient coins are not especially rare and can be purchased at a reasonable cost. For example, certain coins can be bought for $25 or less, depending on their condition. As with all coins, the rarity and condition, or grade, determine the price. By focusing your collection efforts on the more common coins that are not in pristine condition, you can still amass a nice collection without busting your budget. 

Focus 

Many collectors prefer to avoid buying random coins and would rather focus their efforts on specific types of coins. For example, you might want to collect only coins that were made in the later years of the Roman Empire or during the period when Alexander the Great was in power. Another interesting idea is to collect coins with similar designs, such as ancient coins that depict animals, coins that feature the profile of a Roman emperor or those that show certain ancient monuments or temples. 

Ancient coinage is an interesting field of numismatics that offers many opportunities for collectors who want to expand their horizons. For more information about this topic, talk to a coin expert who specializes in ancient coins for sale.

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