Sharing My Rarest Ancient Coins: A Numismatic Journey

Collecting ancient coins for years, I’ve found the real thrill comes from uncovering pieces that whisper unique stories. It’s not just about rarity; it’s about the history behind them and that electric moment of discovery. Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to find coins that might be one-of-a-kind or incredibly scarce—today I’d love to share some favorites from my collection.

Treasures from Ancient Civilizations

One coin that still gives me chills is my Etruscan AE26 from Central Italy (300-250 BC). The obverse shows a male figure holding a scepter and patera, while the reverse features a dog carrying an aryballos. With its deep green patina and references in SNG Cop. 44 and Visonà’s work, it’s genuinely rare. Holding it feels like touching history—especially knowing how Etruscan culture shaped early Rome, from their gods to temple designs.

Then there’s my Seleucid tetradrachm of Antiochos Hierax from Alexandreia Troas (c. 242-227 BC). I pulled this beauty from a mixed hoard spanning Alexander to Antiochos III. What a find—bright surfaces, sharp details on the obverse, and control marks like that clear M in the field. Sorting through hoards never gets old; every time feels like digging through a pirate’s chest.

Roman and Byzantine Highlights

Roman coins naturally fill much of my collection, but a few stand out for sheer scarcity. My Constantine I follis from Siscia (AD 319) with the unusual VOT/PR inscription on the shield? Experts tell me only three others exist. For Byzantine lovers, my Licinius I follis from Antioch ranks R5—truly scarce, with that striking Jupiter and Victory combo you rarely see.

• The Augustus dupondius from Dionysopolis in Phrygia? With Dionysos on the reverse, only five are documented.
• My Caligula sestertius (Rome, AD 39/40) shows Pietas at an altar—a budget-friendly version of a museum piece, proving rare doesn’t always mean expensive.
• And that Postumus antoninianus from Cologne (AD 263) featuring Providentia? It taught me hoards can rewrite rarity overnight—I buy for the history first.

The Challenge of Verifying Rarity

Pinpointing true rarity takes detective work. I’ve learned to cross-check RIC, SNG, Emmett, and Wildwinds religiously. Take my Klazomenai AE10.7 from Ionia—that winged boar above a ram appears unique after scouring archives. Similarly, my Carthaginian 15-shekel (horse standing right, foreleg raised) is cataloged as very rare, but Magnagraecia.nl shows just four specimens. Always double-check references, because nothing stings like a new hoard making your “rare” coin common.

Grading matters too. My Alexandrian obol of Marcus Aurelius is Emmett R5, but I’ve spotted several lately. Focus on surfaces and weight—a bright, well-struck gVF coin can outshine rarer pieces. Remember, rarity ratings can trick you; some “common” coins become ghosts when you want high grades.

Rarity vs. Personal Passion

I never chase rarity alone—it’s the story that captivates me. That “winged dolphin man” coin I’ve hunted for years? I want it for its historical puzzle, not its scarcity. Hoards like Seville’s recent find can shatter rarity overnight, so I prioritize coins that speak to me. That’s why I treasure my Domitian/Domitia hybrid—only two or three known—especially after it landed on Wikipedia. Now that’s a conversation starter!

In the end, hunting rare coins is about that heart-thumping discovery and connecting across centuries. Whether it’s my Constantinopolis commemorative with its double border quirk or a 1579 Dombes gold pistole, each piece adds soul to my collection. If you’re starting out, follow what fascinates you—rarity’s just the icing on the cake.