Lovely Ancient Coins Under $100: My Numismatic Bargains

As a lifelong coin collector, I’ve recently embraced the challenge of building my ancient collection without stretching my budget. Shifting to acquisitions under $100 has been eye-opening, revealing that stunning, historically significant coins are within reach even for those of us watching our wallets. In this post, I’ll share my journey, practical tips, and some of my favorite affordable finds to inspire fellow enthusiasts.

The Joy of Budget Hunting

I’ve found that retirement means scaling back my monthly purchases to one or two coins, all under $100 out-of-pocket including shipping, fees, and insurance. It’s forced me into ‘resistance mode’ against pricier temptations, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. For instance, I recently acquired a Roman coin with the Chi-Rho emblem from Constantine’s reign—a scarce type that’s both beautiful and meaningful to my collection. Snagging it for under $100 total reminded me how many gems hide in the double-digit range, waiting to be discovered.

Unearthing Hidden Treasures

One of my most thrilling experiences involved a Constantius II follis I picked up uncleaned for under $5. After careful cleaning, it turned out to be a rare R4-rated piece, only the second known of its kind with a star mintmark. This taught me valuable lessons: always cross-reference databases like RIC and Notinric, as many coins aren’t fully documented online yet, and rarity can emerge unexpectedly. I learned that patience and research are key—many issues strike in multiple workshops, and hoards keep turning up surprises decades after publications.

Practical Tips for Affordable Collecting

Based on my missteps and successes, here’s some advice to help you score great deals:

• Factor in all costs: Always include shipping, buyer’s fees, and insurance in your budget—I’ve seen coins that seem cheap balloon past $100 with extras.
• Prioritize auctions over dealers: I prefer auctions where prices are bid-driven, like when I bought a Gallienus antoninianus for $41. Dealers often mark up for profit, as I experienced with a Carus coin that felt overpriced at $100.
• Look for grading wins: Focus on coins with sharp details, good centering, and appealing patinas. For example, my Faustina I denarius cost $45 and is VF-ish with a clear portrait—proof that condition doesn’t have to break the bank.
• Explore unconventional sources: I’ve scored bargains from online charity shops and estate sales, like a lot of eight mixed coins for about $27, which included a Spanish cob piece. Always inspect photos closely and be ready for unknowns!

Showcasing My Under-$100 Favorites

To prove that ancient collecting can be accessible, here are a few standout coins from my recent haul, all under $100:

• A Classical Greek hemidrachm from Thessaly: Ex-BCD Collection, bought for $80. It features a toned, well-centered design dating to 440-400 BC—perfect for history buffs.
• A Syracuse bronze: Snagged for $34 with a dark glossy patina and mineral deposits, struck around 317-310 BC. It’s a Hellenistic beauty that adds depth without denting funds.
• Gallienus ‘Zoo series’ antoninianus: At $41, this Roman coin has a sharp portrait and an antelope reverse—ideal for thematic collectors.
• Faustina I denarius: Priced at $45 in VF condition, it’s a solid example of how affordable silver denarii can be.

These acquisitions show that with smart strategies, you can build a diverse, high-quality collection. I’d love to hear about your own budget finds—let’s keep celebrating the thrill of numismatics on a dime!