My Rare Coin Chronicles: Treasures from the Ancient World

As a lifelong coin collector, I’ve always loved the thrill of the hunt for rare pieces—those elusive gems that whisper tales of ancient empires and fleeting moments in time. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to uncover a few truly scarce coins, and today, I’d like to share some personal highlights from my collection. I’ll also pass along what makes them special and how rarity plays into our collecting journeys.

Spotlight on My Rarest Finds

One crown jewel in my collection is an Etruscan AE26 from Central Italy, dating to 300-250 BC. You’ll see a male figure with a scepter and a dog holding an aryballos beneath a stunning dark green patina. It’s referenced in SNG Cop. 44 and P. Visonà’s work—and honestly, in decades of collecting, I’ve only spotted a handful like it. What grabs me is how it shows Etruscan influence on early Rome, from their gods to their buildings. Holding it feels like touching history.

Another favorite is my Seleucid tetradrachm of Antiochos Hierax, struck around 242-227 BC at Alexandreia Troas. I found this beauty through a trusted dealer, and its bright surfaces still catch my eye: Antiochos I’s idealized portrait on the front, Apollo seated on the omphalos on the back. Cataloged as SC-876 with a unique control mark, it came from an unpublished hoard with lifetime Alexander issues. Sorting through hundreds of coins to find this one was pure adrenaline—a solid reminder that patience rewards us in this hobby.

For Roman fans, I treasure my Constantine I follis from Siscia (AD 319). With IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG on the front and two Victories holding a VOT/PR shield on the reverse, experts tell me only three others exist. I’ve cross-checked it against RIC and online archives like Wildwinds. The crisp details for its age amaze me, proving even common emperors can surprise us with rare variants.

Understanding Rarity: What Collectors Should Keep in Mind

Rarity in ancients isn’t just about numbers—it’s a mix of history, mint output, and survival. Here’s how I think about it:

• Check Your References: Always verify with standards like RIC, SNG, or specialized catalogs (Emmett for Egyptian coins, for example). My Alexandrian obol of Marcus Aurelius as Caesar is Emmett R5—meaning one or two major collections hold it. But I’ve learned market availability can surprise you; some R5 coins surface more often than lower-rarity ones. I use tools like CoinArchives to double-check.
• Hoards Change Everything: The Seville hoard taught me this lesson—big discoveries can flood the market overnight. That’s why I never buy just for rarity. My Postumus antoninianus from Cologne is rare per RIC VII, but I value it more for its Providentia reverse, symbolizing stability during chaos.
• Condition Counts: Rarity ties closely to preservation. My Caligula sestertius (Pietas and altar design) is scarce in any grade, but my VF example fits my budget while keeping sharp details. Always inspect surfaces closely—even rare coins like my Licinius I follis (R5) gain value from good condition.

Some Tips from My Collection

Based on my adventures, here’s practical advice:

• Keep Good Records: I maintain a detailed database with reference notes. My Ionian Klazomenai diobol (left-facing winged boar) appears unpublished, so I logged comparisons to BMC and Traité entries. This helps spot inconsistencies or fakes.
• Collect What You Love: I’ve been tempted by ultra-rarities like “Eid Mar” denarii, but I prioritize coins that speak to me—like my Carthaginian 15-shekel piece with Tanit and a horse (only four known). Its rarity is a bonus, not the main draw. Focus on passion to avoid disappointment.
• Stay Informed: Watch auctions and hoard reports. My Dombes pistole (1579) was a bargain because it was newly discovered. But remember—rarity can shift, so buy from trusted sources and mix rare finds with affordable pieces.

For me, the real joy of collecting rare coins is in the stories they tell and the history they hold. Whether it’s my unique Domitian-Domitia hybrid or a common issue, each piece connects me to the past in a way that just being rare never does. Happy hunting—I hope your rare finds bring you as much excitement as mine have!