Coins I Purchased Today: Unearthing Ancient Treasures

I recently snagged a fantastic deal on a bunch of old coins and can’t wait to tell you about it – this is exactly why I love hunting for hidden treasures in the numismatic world.

The Thrill of the Purchase

While browsing an online charity shop, I spotted eight “old copper coins” listed for just £20 (about $27). At roughly £2.50 per coin, it felt like gambling with house money! The description mentioned they came from a cleared estate, so I knew there might be surprises hiding in plain sight. The photos were fuzzy, but I took the plunge anyway – one coin clearly resembled a 1600s Spanish cob. This is why I always tell fellow collectors: never overlook poorly described lots. You might just find gold where others only see copper.

First Impressions and Initial IDs

When the package arrived, the variety took my breath away – Spanish, Greek, and Eastern designs all jumbled together. That cob coin confirmed my suspicion, dating to the 1500s-1600s with its distinctive castle. But the real adventure started with the others: ancient-looking pieces including one with three wheat stems (still unidentified!) and another with possible Indian origins. For identification, I turned to my trusty reference books and magnifier, squinting at inscriptions and wear patterns – my go-to approach for ancient coins.

Unraveling the Identities

After some serious detective work, I pieced together their stories. The lineup still amazes me:

• Spanish Cob Coin: 1500s-1600s with that classic castle design. My tip? Watch for the “8” mark – condition matters less than authenticity with these.
• Kushan AE Tetradrachm: Indian, circa 80-90 AD, showing a horseman. These bronzes often fly under the radar – this one’s worth more than I paid.
• Judean Prutah of Agrippa I: Minted 37-44 AD with three barley ears. Handle gently – the […]ΙΠΑ inscription fades easily.
• Roman Quadrans: Republican era, 1st century BC, featuring Hercules. A real prize since Republican coins don’t surface often.
• Hellenistic Coin: Probably 3rd-2nd century BC with Isis’ head. Check the reverse for dating clues – the artistry is breathtaking.
• Kashmiri AE Coin: 11th century showing local craftsmanship. Eastern coins have unique symbols – online databases help crack these.
• Mystery Wheat Coin: Still unidentified! A good reminder to keep notes on unknowns.

Most show honest wear, reminding me that history often trumps condition. Charity finds like this can deliver incredible value – these humble pieces connect empires across two thousand years.

What This Haul Taught Me

This little treasure trove reinforced some collecting truths:

• Bargains hide in plain sight: Estate sales and charity shops often undervalue coins – train your eye for odd listings.
• Identification is a learned skill: Good magnification and reference books (start with Krause) make all the difference.
• Ancient coins show their age: Focus on readable details and natural patina rather than expecting mint state.
• Context brings coins alive: I’m labeling each with its history – turns a collection into a museum display.
• History outweighs metal: A coin’s story often matters more than its composition.

Final Thoughts

This £20 adventure reignited my passion – each coin is a time machine transporting me from Roman forums to Kushan markets. For less than a coffee per coin, I’ve added millennia of history to my shelves. When you’re out hunting, remember: good eyes and persistence open doors to the past. Happy collecting – here’s hoping your next find gives you that same electric buzz!