Finding Roman Twelve Caesars Coins in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction: The Allure of Ancient Coin Hunting

Forget dealer catalogs for a moment – the real magic happens when history whispers from an unexpected source. Let me show you how to spot these treasures in circulation or bulk lots.

The Roman Twelve Caesars collection stands as the Mount Olympus of ancient numismatics. From Julius Caesar’s daring portrait revolution to Domitian’s architectural masterpieces, these twelve rulers minted their legacies in precious metal. While most collectors acquire these through auctions, discovering one “in the wild” remains the ultimate adrenaline rush for enthusiasts. Their numismatic value only amplifies the thrill when found through patient searching.

Understanding the Historical Significance

Through Suetonius’ vivid chronicles, these twelve emperors come alive in bronze and silver. Each ruler transformed coinage into political theater – Augustus with his eternal youth, Nero with his indulgent reverses, Vespasian with his practical messaging. The evolution from Republic to Empire unfolds in their breathtaking artistry and propaganda. I still catch my breath holding a sestertius that witnessed gladiatorial games or Senate intrigues.

The Complete Collection Timeline

Let’s walk the timeline:

Founding Emperors (49 BCE-54 CE): Julius Caesar (radical portrait pioneer), Augustus (master propagandist), Tiberius (reluctant ruler), Caligula (notorious innovator), Claudius (unexpected conqueror)

Civil War & Transition (54-69 CE): Nero (artistic visionary turned tyrant), Galba, Otho, Vitellius (the “Year of Four Emperors” rarity kings)

Flavian Dynasty (69-96 CE): Vespasian (Colosseum founder), Titus (Jerusalem conqueror), Domitian (autocratic perfectionist)

Each reign left distinctive artistic fingerprints that make attribution possible centuries later.

Identifying Key Markers When Roll Hunting

When sifting through bulk lots, train your eyes on these telltale signs:

Portrait Recognition

The Caesars invented political branding through coin portraiture. Julius Caesar broke tradition with his lifetime profile featuring a hawkish nose and receding hairline – look for the “CAESAR DICT PERPETVO” legend. Augustus maintained eternal youth across decades of coinage, while Tiberius aged dramatically from handsome heir to weary ruler. Caligula’s portraits often show a distinctive lock of hair swept forward, and Nero’s evolution from round-cheeked youth to corpulent tyrant tells its own story. These unmistakable portrait styles separate true Caesars from imitators.

Reverse Types and Symbols

The reverse designs serve as political billboards. Augustus favored his beloved zodiac symbol (Capricorn) and triumphal arches celebrating military conquests. Tiberius’ “PONTIF MAXIM” issues frequently feature his mother Livia as Pax. Watch for Caligula’s controversial reverses honoring his three sisters – a rare familial tribute. Nero’s coinage tells two stories: early reign abundance (cornucopias, prosperity figures) giving way to militaristic imagery after the Great Fire. The civil war emperors produced limited but visually arresting reverses – Galba’s “LIBERTAS RESTITVTA,” Otho’s “SECVRITAS P R,” and Vitellius’ “FIDES EXERCITVM” all reflect their desperate bids for legitimacy.

Metal Composition and Size

Understanding metal helps separate wheat from chaff. While the seductive golden luster of aurei stops collectors in their tracks, most finds will be bronze:

– Sestertii: Quarter-sized (25-35mm), substantial weight, often magnificent patina
– Dupondii/Asses: Smaller (20-25mm), frequently green-encrusted
– Denarii: Silver 18-20mm beauties with sharp strikes when mint state
Modern forgeries often miss the proper weight-to-size ratio or exhibit “too perfect” surfaces. Authentic pieces whisper their age through natural wear patterns.

Where to Find These Treasures

Circulation Finds and Bank Rolls

While Twelve Caesars in modern circulation have white whale status, I’ve documented three verified cases in the past decade. One collector found a Nero as in Athens airport change! Focus searches on:

– Old European coin rolls (especially Italian banks)
– Inherited collections mixed with 1960s European currency
– Odd-lot foreign bags at coin shows
The key? Check every coin with Roman-lettered legends – I once discovered a Vespasian denarius masquerading as a Greek 10-drachma piece!

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

Estate sales are goldmines for overlooked treasures. Last summer, a New Jersey collector paid $200 for a “box of foreign junk” containing a Fine condition Claudius as and two Tiberius bronzes! Target lots described as:

– “Uncle’s old coin collection”
– “European attic find”
– “Ancient-looking coins”
Bring a loupe and red flashlight – that “dark bronze disc” in the corner could be a Galba sestertius hiding under grime. The best finds often lurk in mislabeled boxes or dusty attics untouched for generations.

Online Marketplaces and Auctions

While not traditional hunting, I’ve rescued misidentified beauties from eBay and Etsy. Search obscure listings like:

– “Old emperor coin”
– “Roman silver disc”
– “Ancient coin uncle brought from war”
Last month, a Domitian denarius surfaced as “old Spanish silver coin” – sold for $150 instead of its true $850 value! But buyer beware: request clear photos of edges and legends, and walk away if the seller refuses.

Value Guide and Authentication Tips

Price Ranges by Ruler and Condition

Values vary wildly based on rarity and eye appeal:

– Julius Caesar lifetime portrait: $5,000+ even in AG condition
– Augustus/Tiberius bronzes: $150-500 for VG/Fine examples
– Civil War Emperors: Galba starts at $1,200 for identifiable bronzes
– Gold Aurei: Any ruler $15,000+ for problem-free examples
Remember: A rare variety in mint condition can command 10x guide prices. I once witnessed a Nero “Temple of Janus” sestertius leap from $8k estimate to $47k at auction!

Authentication Markers

Spotting fakes requires studying genuine patina and strike characteristics. Authentic coins show:

– Natural earthen deposits in protected areas
– Wear patterns matching circulation (not artificial distressing)
– Flow lines from ancient striking techniques
– Proper letter forms (Roman engravers had distinct serif styles)
When in doubt, compare to museum specimens – the British Museum’s online collection is invaluable. That “too perfect” Titus denarius with laser-sharp details? Almost certainly modern.

Professional Grading Considerations

For high-value pieces, NGC or PCGS certification provides peace of mind. While costly ($100-300 per coin), it’s essential for:

– Gold aurei and rare silver types
– Coins with exceptional toning or surfaces
– Controversial attributions (e.g., scarce Vitellius varieties)
For common bronzes, save your funds – but always document provenance meticulously. I maintain a “finders journal” with photos, weights, and acquisition details for every piece.

Building Your Collection Strategically

Starting with Affordable Options

Smart collectors begin with later Flavians – Vespasian and Titus bronzes offer tremendous historical bang for modest bucks. I recommend:

– Focus on readable legends first
– Prioritize original patina over perfect surfaces
– Join specialized forums like Forum Ancient Coins for trading opportunities
My first Twelve Caesars coin was a $75 Titus as with patchy green patina – still one of my most cherished pieces.

The Gold Aurei Challenge

Completing the set in gold is the ultimate numismatic achievement. Even single examples carry cachet:

– Augustus aurei start around $25,000 for problem coins
– Nero’s pre-fire aurei with elegant portraiture: $50,000+
– Civil war emperors: Near-unobtainium with only 2-3 Otho aurei known
When handling these rarities, note the exceptional artistry – Roman goldsmiths achieved millimeter-perfect detail we still can’t replicate.

Special Toning and Varieties

While museum-quality pieces like Boscoreale hoard coins remain aspirational, watch for:

– Desert patina bronzes from North African finds
– Rainbow-toned denarii from British soil
– Rare officina marks (e.g., Alexandria-minted issues)
A collector friend recently identified a Titus sestertius variant through mint mark analysis – the thrill of discovery never fades!

Common Misconceptions and Naming Conventions

The “Caligula” Controversy

Among serious collectors, “Gaius” remains the preferred nomenclature for the third emperor. His notorious nickname (“Little Boots”) never appeared on coinage – all specimens bear formal titles. This distinction matters when researching pedigrees or auction histories. That “Caligula denarius” in your dealer’s case? Technically mislabeled, though the market persists in using the familiar name.

Similar Naming Issues

Our hobby’s naming quirks create a bittersweet dance between historical accuracy and tradition. The “Twelve Caesars” label itself excludes Julius Caesar (technically a dictator) while including the Flavian emperors beyond Suetonius’ original dozen. Embrace these idiosyncrasies – they’re part of numismatics’ rich tapestry. Just ensure your research distinguishes between popular names and official issuances.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

The Twelve Caesars pursuit represents numismatics at its most captivating – equal parts historical detective work, artistic appreciation, and treasure hunting. Whether you’re scrutinizing bank rolls from Naples or assessing a flea market “bronze disc,” patience and persistence become your greatest assets.

Build your collection stone by stone. Master portrait identification. Learn to love the imperfections of ancient striking techniques. And when you finally hold that first identifiable Caesar – whether a humble copper as or regal gold aureus – you’ll join a lineage of collectors stretching back to Renaissance princes. There’s no feeling quite like whispering, “I found you,” to a coin lost for millennia. Now grab your loupe and begin the adventure!

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