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

Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt

There’s nothing quite like the rush of discovering a hidden gem among common coins. Some of the most exciting numismatic finds happen when you’re simply browsing through circulation, examining bulk lots, or exploring estate sales. The possibility of uncovering an unknown ancient coin that others have overlooked is what drives many collectors to become expert cherry pickers.

Understanding Bulk Lot Hunting

Bulk lots represent one of the best opportunities for finding valuable coins that have slipped past casual collectors. These unsorted collections often contain a mix of modern coins, foreign currency, and occasionally, genuine ancient specimens. The key is developing a trained eye for spotting anomalies among the common pieces.

When examining bulk lots, pay special attention to coins that appear significantly older than the surrounding pieces. Look for distinctive patinas, unusual shapes, or designs that don’t match modern coinage. Many ancient coins were struck from bronze, copper, or silver, and their surfaces often develop unique coloration over centuries of burial or circulation.

Key Markers to Look For

When cherry picking through mixed lots, focus on these identifying characteristics:

• Unusual metal composition or weight
• Greek or Latin inscriptions
• Imagery of gods, animals, or mythological scenes
• Irregular shapes or edges
• Distinctive patina or corrosion patterns

Case Study: The Cilicia Discovery

One collector’s experience perfectly illustrates the potential of bulk lot hunting. Among a pot-luck assortment of ancient coins, they discovered what appeared to be a bronze coin featuring what they initially thought was a boat design. Upon closer inspection, the imagery revealed itself to be something far more interesting.

The coin turned out to be a Cilicia, Seleukeia on the Kalykadnos AE, struck between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E. This type of discovery demonstrates why patience and careful examination are essential skills for any serious cherry picker.

Identifying the Cilicia Coin

The Cilicia coin features distinct characteristics that make it identifiable:

• Obverse: Head of Apollo facing right
• Reverse: Forepart of a horse to the right with the inscription “ΑΘΗ” above
• Material: Bronze
• Dimensions: Approximately 19.8mm in diameter
• Weight: 3.79 grams

The city of Seleukeia-on-the-Kalykadnus, now known as Silifke, Turkey, was strategically located on the south coast road near Tarsus. This historical context adds significant value to coins from this mint.

Spotting the Thessaly Drachm

Another fascinating discovery came from a collector who encountered what appeared to be an ancient Greek silver drachm from Larissa, Thessaly. Dating to approximately 400-340 BC, this coin represents the kind of high-value find that makes bulk lot hunting so rewarding.

Key Features of the Larissa Drachm

When examining potential Larissa drachms, look for these specific markers:

• Obverse: Typically features a portrait of the nymph Larissa
• Reverse: Shows a horse grazing or preparing to roll
• Inscription: Greek letters spelling “ΛAPIΣA” (Larissa)
• Material: Silver
• Approximate size: Standard Greek drachm dimensions

Authentic examples of this type can command prices around $1,450 depending on condition, making it a truly valuable find in any bulk lot.

Authentication Tips for Cherry Pickers

Before getting too excited about a potential discovery, it’s crucial to understand authentication. Many ancient coins have modern reproductions, particularly popular types like the Larissa drachm.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of coins that show:

• Perfect, unworn details on supposedly ancient coins
• Uniform patinas that look artificially applied
• Modern tooling marks or evidence of casting
• Incorrect weights or dimensions for the type

Positive Indicators

Authentic ancient coins often display:

• Natural wear patterns consistent with age
• Variability in strike quality typical of ancient minting
• Appropriate metal composition for the period
• Historical die matches to known types

Where to Find Hidden Treasures

Successful cherry picking requires knowing where to look. Beyond traditional coin shops and shows, consider these sources:

Estate Sales and Auctions

Many families sell inherited coin collections without realizing their full value. Estate sales often contain mixed lots where ancient coins get overlooked among modern pieces.

Online Marketplaces

Bulk lots on platforms like eBay can contain hidden gems, though you’ll need to develop a good eye for spotting promising lots from photos.

Local Coin Shops

Sometimes shops receive collections they don’t have time to properly sort. Building relationships with dealers can lead to opportunities to examine unsorted material.

Research and Reference Materials

Successful cherry picking requires ongoing education. Build a library of reference materials including:

• Specialized catalogs for ancient coins
• Online databases and forums
• Books on specific regions or time periods
• Guides to identifying counterfeits

The collector who discovered the Cilicia coin was able to verify their find by consulting online resources and numismatic forums, demonstrating the value of community knowledge.

Value Guide and Investment Potential

Understanding the potential value of your discoveries is crucial for both collecting and investment purposes. The Cilicia bronze discussed here, while not as valuable as the silver Larissa drachm, still represents a significant historical artifact.

Bronze coins from ancient Cilicia typically range in value based on:

• Condition and preservation
• Clarity of design and inscriptions
• Historical significance of the specific issue
• Market demand for the type

Meanwhile, authentic silver drachms from Larissa can command premium prices, with well-preserved examples reaching into the thousands of dollars.

Conclusion: The Rewarding Pursuit of Cherry Picking

The stories of these discoveries highlight why roll hunting and cherry picking remain such rewarding aspects of numismatics. Whether you’re examining bulk lots at estate sales or carefully sorting through inherited collections, the possibility of finding an unknown ancient coin makes every search worthwhile.

Success in this field requires patience, knowledge, and a trained eye, but the rewards can be substantial both financially and historically. By understanding what to look for, knowing how to authenticate potential finds, and being willing to invest time in research, any collector can develop the skills needed to uncover hidden treasures in the wild.

Remember that every coin has a story, and discovering that story through careful examination and research is one of the greatest joys of collecting. The next time you encounter a mixed lot or unsorted collection, take the time to look closely—you might just find your own piece of ancient history waiting to be rediscovered.

Related Resources

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