Diving into the Middle Age Coin Game: My Numismatic Journey

I’ve been immersing myself in a thrilling coin-collecting challenge that spans the Middle Ages, from 500 to 1500 CE, and it’s been an eye-opening adventure. This game-inspired approach, with each century getting dedicated focus, has revealed some incredible treasures and sharpened my numismatic skills. I’ll share my experiences, key coins I explored, and practical tips to help you navigate this fascinating era.

The Century-by-Century Setup

In this game, I started with 500-600 CE, where any coin, medal, or commemorative piece is fair game, regardless of denomination or metal. One big takeaway: many coins from this period are undated, so reigns that straddle centuries—like Khusru II’s Sasanian drachm (ca. 591-628 AD)—are perfectly valid. I learned to always include brief descriptions with images to make unfamiliar pieces accessible. For instance, specifying mint locations, such as Constantinople or Rome, and noting compositions like AV (gold) or AE (bronze), adds crucial context.

Treasures from the Early Centuries

Exploring the 500-600 CE window, I uncovered some stunning examples that highlight the diversity of this era. Here are a few standouts:

• Byzantine Gold Tremissis of Justinian I (ca. 527-565 AD): Minted in Constantinople, this coin features intricate obverse inscriptions like ‘D N IUSTI ANUS PP AV’ and reverse details indicating the officina and year. It’s a reminder that even common emperors can yield rare finds in top condition.
• Ostrogoth AV Solidus of Theodorich I (struck 512-517 AD): Issued in Rome under Anastasius I, this gold piece shows how cross-cultural influences shaped coinage, with designs echoing Roman styles.
• Huna Empire AV Dinara (ca. 545-575 AD): From Sind, this coin mimics Sasanian dinars, emphasizing the importance of regional mints in understanding trade routes.
• Sasanian Silver Drachm of Khusru II (ca. 591-628 AD): A straddling-reign coin with lovely detail, it taught me to appreciate wear patterns—well-preserved drachms like this can command higher premiums.

Coins like Justin II’s AV Solidus (565-578 AD) from Constantinople might be common, but fully struck FDC (Full Detail Coin) examples are elusive, making condition a key factor in value.

Practical Collecting Insights

Based on my deep dive, I’ve gathered some actionable advice for fellow collectors. First, always document the basics: weight (e.g., 21.15g for a follis), size (like 35mm), and mint marks, as seen on Justinian I’s AE follis. For undated coins, research reign dates to place them accurately—tools like historical databases help. Market-wise, gold solidi from emperors like Maurice Tiberius (582-602 AD) are plentiful, but rarities like those from Theodosius III are highly sought after due to their scarcity. Grading tips: Focus on strike quality and surface details; for example, Justin II solidi in FDC condition are rare gems, so inspect for full legends and minimal wear.

Also, commemorative issues, such as consular solidi, add historical depth—I found Maurice Tiberius’s examples from Carthage mint particularly engaging, with stories like his tragic end enriching the collecting experience.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

Moving through centuries in this game has not only expanded my collection but also honed my appreciation for medieval numismatics. I’m eager to tackle the next segments, from 600 CE onward, and I encourage you to join in—start with clear descriptions, embrace the hunt for elusive FDC pieces, and let history guide your discoveries. Happy collecting!