Featured: The Middle Age Coin Game – My Journey Through Centuries of Numismatics

I recently took on a numismatic challenge centered on coins from 500 to 1500 CE, and what a ride it was! Building on earlier games, this one broke down the centuries into manageable chunks starting with 500-600 CE. As a collector, I jumped at the chance to explore rare and unfamiliar pieces—not just for fun, but to deepen my understanding of medieval coinage.

The Game Setup and Scope

We kicked off with the 500-600 CE period, where any coin, medal, or commemorative piece was fair game regardless of denomination or metal. The flexibility thrilled me—gold solidi could share the stage with bronze folli. Since many early medieval coins lack dates, I focused on rulers whose reigns crossed centuries, like Khusru II of the Sasanian Empire (591-628 AD). Dating became a sort of detective game! I made sure to include brief descriptions with images, especially for obscure types, to help fellow collectors follow along.

Key Coins and Collecting Insights

The variety of coins shared in our game was staggering. A few that really grabbed me:

• Byzantine Treasures: Justinian I’s gold tremisses and solidi (527-565 AD) appeared often, but finding fully struck FDC examples like Justin II’s (565-578 AD) felt like hitting the jackpot—they’re rare and pricey. A 35mm AE follis from Constantinople taught me how mint marks can whisper secrets about history.
• Sasanian and Beyond: Khusru II’s silver drachm (ca. 591-628 AD) showed me how Sasanian coins often boast crisp details that age gracefully. Ostrogoth gold solidi minted in Rome under Anastasius I or Justinian I revealed how dynastic chaos breeds rarities—Theodosius III’s coins, scarce after Maurice Tiberius’s fall, are perfect examples.
• Eastern Gems: The Huna Empire’s AV dinara, borrowing from Sasanian designs, fascinated me with its cultural fusion. I learned coins from Sind or Carthage often carry distinctive stylistic fingerprints that sway both grading and value.

Practical Tips for Collecting Medieval Coins

After playing this game, I’d offer fellow collectors a few hard-earned pointers:

• Handling Undated Coins: Anchor your dating to ruler reigns and historical context. A Justinian I coin from Constantinople? Check if it matches early issues (527-538 AD) through style or mint marks.
• Grading and Condition: Prioritize strike quality—Maurice Tiberius solidi often show wear, but a lightweight variant with sharp details is special. I’ve learned to examine legends and portraits closely; even common coins can surprise you when well-preserved.
• Market Observations: While gold solidi flood the market, rarities like consular issues or usurper coins spike collector interest. Watch auction patterns for deals. Silver drachms and bronze folli offer affordable entry points—snap up crisp examples when you spot them.

This journey reminded me how medieval coins let us touch history—from Byzantine politics to Sasanian craftsmanship. I can’t wait to explore later centuries, and I urge you to try it too. Whether you love precious metals or historical tales, there’s always another story waiting in these ancient pieces.