Finding Unknown Ancient Coins in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt

You don’t always need a dealer to find valuable ancient coins. Sometimes the best discoveries come from unexpected places – that pot-luck assortment of ancients, a dusty box at an estate sale, or a bulk lot of “junk” coins that hides genuine treasures. The key is knowing what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

Historical Significance of Middle Eastern Ancient Coins

The ancient world was a melting pot of cultures, particularly in the Middle East where Greek, Persian, and local civilizations intersected. This cultural crossroads produced some of the most fascinating coinage in history. The two coins discussed in our forum thread represent this rich heritage – one from Cilicia (modern-day Turkey) and another from Thessaly in Greece.

Cilicia: The Gateway Between East and West

Seleukeia on the Kalykadnos (modern Silifke, Turkey) was founded during the Hellenistic period and became an important trading center. Its strategic location on the south coast road made it a crucial stop between major cities like Tarsus. The city’s coins reflect this blend of influences, featuring both Greek deities and local motifs.

Thessaly: Heartland of Greek Coinage

Larissa, the principal city of Thessaly, was renowned for its magnificent coinage featuring the local hero horse. The city’s name itself is said to derive from a local water nymph, and horses held special significance in the region’s mythology and economy.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through bulk lots or estate sales, knowing what to look for can make the difference between finding a treasure and passing by a valuable coin. Here are the key markers for these Middle Eastern ancients:

Cilician Bronze Identification Guide

Obverse Features: Look for the head of Apollo facing right. Apollo was a popular deity throughout the Greek world, but his depiction can vary significantly by region and time period. In Cilician coins, he typically appears in a realistic Hellenistic style.

Reverse Features: The forepart of a horse to the right with the inscription “ΑΘΗ” above is the distinctive reverse design. The horse was likely a civic emblem or reference to local mythology.

Material and Size: These are bronze coins, typically around 19.8mm in diameter and weighing approximately 3.79 grams. The size is similar to a modern US quarter but slightly heavier.

Time Period: Struck between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, these coins were produced during the Hellenistic period when Greek culture dominated the region.

Thessalian Silver Drachm Identification Guide

Obverse Features: The head of the nymph Larissa, facing right or left depending on the specific issue. She’s typically depicted in high relief with flowing hair.

Reverse Features: A horse grazing or preparing to roll, with the Greek letters “ΛAPIΣa” (Larissa) above. This is the most distinctive feature – the horse’s pose is unique and immediately recognizable to experienced collectors.

Material and Size: These are silver drachms, typically weighing around 6 grams and measuring approximately 20mm in diameter.

Time Period: Dated to approximately 400-340 BCE, these represent some of the finest coin artistry from ancient Greece.

Value Guide and Market Insights

Understanding the potential value of these coins requires knowledge of several factors:

Factors Affecting Value

• Condition: Ancient bronze coins in Very Fine condition can be quite affordable, while silver drachms in high grade command premium prices.
• Rarity: Some specific types or mints are much rarer than others, significantly affecting value.
• Historical Importance: Coins from important historical periods or featuring significant designs command higher prices.
• Provenance: Coins with documented history or from famous collections often sell for more.

Price Ranges

Cilician Bronze: Common types in Fine to Very Fine condition typically sell for $50-200. Rare varieties or exceptional examples can reach $500 or more.

Thessalian Drachm: Authentic examples range widely in price. Common types in Good Fine condition might sell for $200-400, while exceptional specimens can reach $1,450 or more, as mentioned in our forum discussion.

Authentication Tips

When cherry-picking from bulk lots, authentication becomes crucial. Here are some tips for spotting authentic pieces:

Common Red Flags

• Perfect, machine-made edges on supposedly ancient coins
• Lack of wear on high points that should show circulation
• Incorrect weight or metal composition
• Modern cleaning that removes natural patina

Positive Indicators

• Natural patina that varies in color and texture
• Wear patterns consistent with ancient circulation
• Minor imperfections typical of hand-struck coins
• Correct weight within acceptable tolerances

“The city of Seleukeia-on-the-Kalykadnus, one of several cities named ‘Seleukeia’ hence the need for further location descriptors, is now known as Silifke, Turkey, on the south coast road not far from Tarsus.” – Forum Contributor

Where to Find These Treasures

Successful cherry-picking requires knowing where to look:

Estate Sales and Auctions

Older collections often contain overlooked ancient coins. Look for boxes labeled “old coins” or “foreign coins” that dealers might have passed over.

Online Marketplaces

Bulk lots on eBay and similar sites frequently contain ancient coins mixed with modern pieces. The key is buying lots where you can examine photos carefully.

Local Coin Shops

Many shops have bargain bins or bulk lots where ancient coins get mixed in with common modern pieces. Building relationships with shop owners can lead to first access to new material.

Coin Shows

“Junk boxes” at coin shows are prime hunting grounds. Dealers often price ancient coins in these boxes very low because they assume most buyers aren’t interested.

Building Knowledge

Successful cherry-picking requires continuous learning:

Essential Reference Materials

• Specialized catalogs for Greek and Roman provincial coinage
• Online databases and forums where collectors share information
• Books on ancient numismatics specific to your areas of interest

Networking

Join local coin clubs, participate in online forums, and attend coin shows. The knowledge shared by experienced collectors is invaluable for developing your eye.

Conclusion

The coins from our forum discussion represent just a tiny fraction of the ancient treasures that can be found through careful cherry-picking. The Cilician bronze with its Apollo obverse and horse reverse, and the magnificent Thessalian drachm with its grazing horse design, both demonstrate how Middle Eastern ancient coins combine historical significance with artistic beauty.

Remember that successful roll hunting and cherry-picking isn’t just about finding valuable coins – it’s about the thrill of discovery and connecting with history. Each ancient coin you find has survived thousands of years to reach your hands, and that connection to the past is perhaps the greatest treasure of all.

Whether you’re examining a pot-luck assortment of ancients or carefully sorting through a dealer’s bargain box, keep an eye out for those distinctive features we’ve discussed. That next great find could be hiding in plain sight, waiting for a knowledgeable collector to recognize its true value.

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