My Deep Dive into the Middle Age Coin Game: Treasures from 500-1500 CE

I recently got hooked on a coin collecting challenge covering the Middle Ages, from about 500 to 1500 CE. What a ride it’s been—handling these ancient pieces feels like holding history itself. Each coin whispers stories of empires, rulers, and daily life from centuries past, and I’ve discovered some real treasures along the way.

How the Challenge Works & Why It’s Fun

Here’s the setup: every three days, we jump to a new century starting at 500 CE and moving forward. The beauty is you can share any coin, commemorative, or medal—no restrictions on denomination or metal. That makes it perfect whether you’re just starting or have trays full of ancients. Since many coins from this period aren’t dated, I learned quickly to add quick notes with images to pin down rulers and mints. Take coins from Khusru II (591-628 AD)—they bridge the 500s and 600s, turning identification into a satisfying puzzle that reminds me why I love this hobby.

Some Stunners I’ve Encountered

Digging through these centuries revealed absolute showstoppers. A few that still have me grinning:

• Byzantine Gold Tremissis of Justinian I (ca. 527-565 AD): Minted in Constantinople, this little beauty packs detail like its “D N IUSTI ANUS PP AV” inscription. Seeing one with crisp strikes taught me to always hunt for well-centered pieces—they make the artistry sing.
• Sasanian Silver Drachm of Khusru II (ca. 591-628 AD): Persian craftsmanship shines here. While clear ones command attention, I’ve noticed availability swings wildly depending on mint marks—something to watch in auctions.
• Ostrogoth Gold Solidus of Theodoric I (struck 512-517 AD): Issued in Rome under Anastasius I, this coin shows Rome and Germanic styles colliding. It reminded me to always squint at mint marks—Rome or Carthage can mean big differences in rarity.
• Huna Gold Dinara (circa 545-575 AD): Modeled after Sasanian dinars and struck in Sind, these anonymous chief coins are hens’ teeth. If you spot one, check weight (4-5 grams) and style—authentic pieces feel distinct in hand.
• Byzantine Gold Solidus of Justin II (565-578 AD): Common enough, but wow—finding one with sharp details? Tough. Constantinople issues like this often carry heftier price tags, and now I see why.

Handy Tips I Picked Up

After months in this game, here’s what stuck with me. First, grading matters: With coins like Maurice Tiberius’s (582-602 AD), check edges and weight (lightweight solidi hover near 23 silique). Second, chase rarities tied to big events—like Theodosius III’s solidi during Phocas’s 602 AD coup. They’re auction gold. And always jot down provenance—it solves headaches later and weaves richer stories for your collection.

Market Musings & Parting Thoughts

Byzantine gold—solidi and tremisses—always sells, but premiums soar for eye-poppers. For newcomers, Sasanian silver drachms offer friendlier entry points without skimping on history. Never forget the human drama behind these metals, though. Learning about Justinian’s reign or Maurice Tiberius’s fall makes coins resonate deeper. I’m itching to tackle the next century—you should too. Whether you collect gold or bronze, this journey through time reminds us why we’re all hooked on these metal storytellers.