Lovely Ancient Coin Finds Under $100: My Numismatic Adventures

Introduction: Embracing Budget-Friendly Collecting

Lately, I’ve been building my ancient coin collection on a tighter budget – hunting for pieces under $100 total, shipping and fees included. After cutting back due to life’s twists, I was amazed to find this price range packed with treasures that add real character to any collection. It’s turned into such a rewarding adventure that I just have to share what I’ve discovered.

Spotlight on My Favorite Affordable Finds

You wouldn’t believe the stunning coins I’ve found that prove great history doesn’t need a huge price tag. These pieces really stood out to me:

• A Byzantine coin I picked up for under $30 – perfect for adding ancient history without emptying your wallet.
• My Roman Constantius II AE follis from Cyzicus (AD 335-336) was a gamble: uncleaned for less than $5. After gentle cleaning and digging through references, turns out it’s an R4 rarity! Only the second known with the star mintmark SMKA. Goes to show what patience and a good eye can uncover in unexpected places.
• Other gems like my Classical Greek hemidrachm from Thessaly (440-400 BC) with gorgeous toning and ex-BCD history for $80. Or that Hellenistic bronze from Syracuse (317-289 BC) with its dark, glossy patina – a steal at $34.

Practical Tips for Scoring Great Deals

Here’s what works for me when hunting sub-$100 coins:

• Try uncleaned or bulk lots: I once scored eight mixed ancients for $27 at a charity auction. You’d be surprised what hides in those – I’ve found rarities that gain value after cleaning.
• Use online references: Always check Wildwinds or RIC to confirm details. When I spotted a Constantine-era coin with Chi-Rho, cross-referencing saved me from overpaying for a common type.
• Auctions often beat dealers: Saw a fellow collector drop $100 extra on a Carus Antoninianus at a shop. Auctions keep prices honest – I stick to them.
• Watch hidden costs: That Severus Alexander denarius? 73 Euros hammer price became 102 Euros after fees. Always tally everything before bidding.

Market Observations and Grading Insights

The under-$100 market’s buzzing right now with plenty of VF or better coins. Here’s what I’m seeing:

Roman issues like Gallienus’s ‘Zoo series’ antoniniani often go for $40-50 with crisp details if you avoid worn specimens. Faustina I denarii under $50 in VF-ish shape pop up regularly too. When grading, I always check centering, strike strength, and patina first. A dark, even patina usually means authenticity – and it gives such lovely character without hiking the price.

Conclusion: The Joy of Accessible Numismatics

Collecting ancient coins under $100 has brought back the pure fun of the hobby for me. It proves you don’t need deep pockets to hold history in your hands. Do your homework, shop smart, and you’ll uncover pieces that make your collection shine. Honestly? Give it a shot – some of the most beautiful coins out there cost less than dinner for two.