My Adventure Crafting a Calendar with Twelve Caesars Coins

It hit me the other day: why not turn my love for ancient Roman coins into a one-of-a-kind calendar? Twelve Caesars, twelve months – it felt like a match made in numismatic heaven. Perfect for sharing history and our hobby with friends in 2026. Let me walk you through how I’m putting this together, mixing practical tips with the fun of the hunt.

The Spark of Inspiration

It began with that simple symmetry: twelve emperors, twelve months. I pictured a calendar where each month shows off a coin from the Twelve Caesars, along with a quick historical tidbit and a straightforward description. It’s not just about looking good – it’s a way to bring numismatics to folks who don’t collect, turning a daily glance at the calendar into a chance to learn a bit of history.

Gathering the Coins

Like many collectors, I hit a snag: my set isn’t complete. Tough ones like Tiberius, Claudius, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Titus are still missing. Here’s how I’m tackling those gaps:

• Hunting Tips: For rarer coins, I’m checking online auctions and trusted dealers. Prices jump for higher grades, but even a solid VF (Very Fine) coin photographs well.
• Substituting Wisely: If an emperor’s coin is too hard to find, I might use a provincial coin from their reign. It keeps the spirit without emptying the wallet.
• Grading for Clarity: I’m aiming for at least Fine or better. These coins show details like portraits and legends clearly in photos, without needing a loupe.

Designing the Calendar Layout

I’m keeping the layout simple: one coin per month. The big question? Which Caesar goes where. It’s tempting to have fun with it – like putting Julius in March for the Ides, or Augustus in August. But to keep things clear, I’m sticking to history:

• Month Matches: Julius goes in July and Augustus in August – they renamed those months, and it’s a connection anyone can get. Other emperors tried renaming months too (like Nero), but those didn’t stick. So I’m using the standard names to dodge confusion.
• Key Dates: Instead of a strict timeline, I’m thinking of noting key events under each coin – like a big battle or when they were declared a god. It adds depth without throwing off the calendar’s rhythm.
• Photography Tips: High-res photos are a must. I use even lighting – a simple smartphone setup works great if you soften natural light to cut down glare on silver or bronze.

Crafting the Content

Each month’s page has to catch the eye of both collectors and friends new to coins. Here’s my plan:

• History Bite: A short, lively take on the emperor’s reign – I focus on big wins or oddball traits, like Caligula’s wild side.
• Coin Talk: Keep it simple. For example, “This denarius has Augustus facing right, with symbols of peace” – no need for terms like obverse or reverse.
• For Everyone: Since most folks getting this aren’t collectors, I skip the inside jokes and stick to stories anyone can enjoy. The goal? Spark interest, not overwhelm.

Overcoming Challenges

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Running low on coins that photograph well? I once considered a one-coin-per-day desk calendar, but that would burn through my collection too fast. Monthly highlights are much more doable. For the missing coins, I’m keeping a log of my search – turning it into a collecting quest. All in all, it’s been a great lesson in patience and creativity, and it’s made collecting feel new and exciting again.

Putting this calendar together is about more than a neat gift. It’s a celebration of history, coins, and the fun of sharing our hobby. I’m really looking forward to holding the finished product and maybe inspiring others to try something similar!