Budget Treasures: My Journey into Ancient Coins Under $100

As a fellow coin lover, I’ve taken on a fun challenge lately: growing my ancient coin collection without dropping over $100 on any single piece, including shipping and fees. It’s been a revelation—you really can hold history in your palm without emptying your wallet.

Embracing the Budget Mindset

When life forced me to tighten my collecting budget, I discovered something wonderful. Steering clear of those tempting triple-digit coins and focusing on double-digit treasures actually sharpened my eye. What surprised me most? How many breathtaking ancients fit this range—Byzantine bronzes whispering secrets, Roman rarities that belong in any serious collection. The thrill of the hunt just got more interesting.

My Favorite Pocket-Friendly Treasures

Let me show you some pieces that made my heart skip a beat without breaking the bank:

• A humble Byzantine bronze I landed for under $30 total—simple but perfect for my late Roman focus.
• That rare Constantine-era Chi-Rho coin snagged just under $100. Finding it through a specialist in Christian symbols felt like winning the lottery.
• My star find: an uncleaned Constantius II follis under $5. After careful cleaning, it turned out to be only the second known example! Verifying it took cross-referencing RIC and Notinric—a reminder that not all variants live online.
• Greek magic: a Thessaly hemidrachm ex BCD Collection for $80. Beautifully toned, centered like a dream—classical silver at a bargain.
• A Syracuse bronze ($34) with leather-dark patina proving Hellenistic bronzes can wow on a budget.
• Gallienus ‘Zoo series’ antoninianus ($41) featuring a crisp portrait and antelope reverse. Grading shows some flatness, but that moody patina gives it character.

Field-Tested Tips for Smart Collecting

Through trial and error, I’ve gathered some practical wisdom for budget hunters:

• Dig where others don’t—I once grabbed eight coins for $27 from a charity shop listing “old copper coins” that hid Spanish cobbs and Roman bronzes.
• Auctions often beat dealer prices. I learned this after paying $100 at a shop for a coin that stung, though holding ancient metal still thrilled me.
• Always count the extras: premiums, shipping, insurance. That “$70 coin” can easily become $100. Set a hard ceiling.
• Seek VF-ish coins with strong details—like a Faustina I denarius I spotted for $45. Rarity ratings (R4 etc.) matter, but remember hoard finds rarely make the books.
• Tread lightly with uncleaned coins. They can be goldmines, but research before scrubbing—you might be holding history.

Parting Thoughts from the Trenches

I’ve watched prices dance wildly—a Severus Alexander denarius going for $100 with fees while similar coins slipped cheaper at auction. Stick to what sings to you, whether Christian symbols or Greek city-states. Truth is? Ancient coin collecting on a budget isn’t just possible—it’s pure joy. With patience and smart hunting, you’ll build a collection rich with stories that won’t gut your savings.