My Triumph in Completing the Twelve Caesars Set!

I’ve always been captivated by ancient Rome’s drama and history, so chasing coins of the Twelve Caesars felt like a natural adventure. After a year of dedicated hunting, I’m thrilled to announce my set is complete—what a rush to finally hold all twelve!

Building the Set on a Budget

What surprised me most was how affordable this quest could be. I kept the whole collection under $2,000 with some clever mixing:

• Six silver coins for their prestige balanced with six bronze pieces to ease the budget
• Six imperial issues alongside six provincial coins—those regional mintages often cost less and tell richer stories

This approach really paid off. My Augustus denarius was the priciest find, but I scored my Otho bronze from Antioch in a lot of 18 bronzes—practically pocket change! For collectors watching their wallets, I’d say provincial bronzes and bulk lots are your best friends.

Coins That Made the Hunt Special

While every coin whispers history, these three defined my journey:

• That Augustus denarius started it all—an iconic piece worth saving for
• The Vespasian denarius became my victory lap coin, its reverse design mirroring my own completion feeling
• The humble Otho bronze proved treasures don’t need hefty price tags

Here’s a tip I picked up: provincial coins are often overlooked bargains. Keep an eye out—they’re perfect for rounding out sets affordably.

Tips From My Collecting Journey

If you’re starting your own Caesars quest, here’s what worked for me:

• Stick to Suetonius’ original twelve—no substitutions! His wild tales make the coins come alive (just maybe skip the bedtime reading)
• Prioritize clear legends and surfaces—provincial coins often offer better condition for the price
• Patience pays: I found my best deals through auction house “junk” bins and online bulk listings
• Track your progress in a notebook or app—it keeps motivation high and spending smart

What’s Next in My Collection

With my Caesars proudly displayed, I’m already dreaming of an Athenian owl tetradrachm—that classic coin feels like the natural next chapter. If my experience shows anything, it’s that ambitious collections are within reach with smart hunting. So if you’ve been eyeing a set like this, take the plunge! Holding two-thousand-year-old history never loses its magic.