My Journey Collecting Lovely Ancient Coins Under $100

Retirement has me rethinking how I build my ancient coin collection. These days, my budget means I’m buying just one or two coins monthly instead of four or five—and I keep everything under $100 total, including shipping and fees. What surprised me? Some real stunners live happily in the double-digit range. Let me show you my recent finds and share how you can build a satisfying ancient collection without emptying your wallet.

My Recent Affordable Acquisitions

I’ve been hunting coins that pack historical punch and visual appeal without the high price tag. Here are a few favorites from my latest haul:

• A Byzantine coin landed for under $30—simple but elegant, perfect for my Byzantine shelf.
• A Roman coin with Constantine’s Chi-Rho symbol snagged under $100. While common later, it’s scarce from his reign, making this a special grab.
• Gallienus’ “Zoo series” Antoninianus won at auction for $41. Dark patina, sharp portrait—even with some flatness, it’s a beauty for my emperor collection.
• A Greek hemidrachm from Trikka (440-400 BC) for $80. Ex-BCD Collection, lovely toning and centering—classical art on a budget.

These prove you don’t need deep pockets for history-rich coins. My $45 VF denarius of Faustina I shows silver ancients can stay affordable too.

Practical Tips for Finding Gems Under $100

After years of collecting, here’s what works for me:

• Auctions Beat Dealers: I learned this after overpaying $100 for a Carus Antoninianus at a dealer. Auctions let the market decide—better prices almost every time.
• Try Unusual Spots: Charity shops and lesser-known sites can surprise you. My $27 score included eight old coppers—one might be a 1600s Spanish cob!
• Count Every Cost: Shipping and fees matter. I once missed this and paid 102 Euros for a Severus Alexander denarius. Now I set hard limits before bidding.
• Try Uncleaned Coins: That $5 dirty coin I cleaned? Turned out to be a rare Constantius II follis (R4!). Books like RIC help, but stay open—new rarities surface constantly.

Good things come to those who wait. Skip the impulse buys.

Insights on Coin Identification and Grading

Affordable coins can shine if you know where to look:

• Cross-Check References: When a mintmark stumped me, checking RIC, Wildwinds, and Notinric revealed gaps in records. Notinric’s become my go-to for tricky IDs.
• Seek Strong Features: I prioritize clear portraits, readable legends, and rich patinas. My Gallienus coin and a $34 Syracuse bronze prove dark patina adds charm without premium prices.
• Grade With Realism: Minor flaws like flatness happen at this price point. I focus on decent centering and legible text—signs of quality that don’t cost extra.

Rarity matters too. Coins from smaller mints or specific rulers—like my Chi-Rho piece—often carry more historical weight than price tags suggest.

Why Ancient Coin Collecting Is Accessible to All

My journey’s taught me you don’t need a fortune for meaningful collecting. With Romans, Byzantines, and Greeks readily available under $100, anyone can build a diverse collection full of history. I’ve made peace with skipping triple-digit coins and found real joy in these affordable treasures. If you’re starting or downsizing, pick a theme—Christian symbols or favorite emperors—to give focus. Found something great on a budget? Share it below! Let’s celebrate smart collecting together.