My Adventure in the Featured Middle Age Coin Game

My recent adventure in a medieval coin game got me hooked on coins from the 500-600 CE period. Focusing on that century felt like opening a time capsule – I discovered rare pieces that made ancient empires feel alive. Honestly, seeing coins I’d never encountered before was thrilling, and I picked up some great collecting wisdom too.

Exploring the 500-600 CE Coin Highlights

What surprised me most was the sheer variety from empires like Byzantine, Sasanian, Ostrogoth, and Huna. Here are some standouts that caught my eye:

• Byzantine Gold Tremissis of Justinian I (ca. 527-565 AD) – Absolutely stunning details, usually from Constantinople. Pro tip: well-preserved examples really bring higher prices.
• Sasanian Silver Drachm of Khusru II (ca. 591-628 AD) – This one straddles centuries like many undated issues. The high silver content makes it a favorite among bullion collectors.
• Ostrogoth Kingdom AV Solidus – Struck in Rome under Anastasius I or Justinian I. These gold pieces are history you can hold. Watch for mint marks like ‘Rome’ to confirm authenticity.
• Huna Empire AV Dinara (circa 545-575 AD) – Anonymous chieftain coins from Sind mint, copying Sasanian styles. Tough to find and a great example of regional differences.
• Byzantine AV Solidus of Justin II (565-578 AD) – Common enough, but try finding one in fully struck FDC condition! The consular issues under Maurice Tiberius have fascinating backstories.

Practical Collecting Tips and Insights

After handling these coins, I learned a few tricks. Reigns often cross century boundaries, so I always double-check rulers’ dates for undated pieces. Here’s what works for me:

• Always match images with basic info – noting mint, denomination, and metal prevents headaches later
• For Byzantine coins, focus on key mints like Constantinople or Rome – better documentation and more collector interest
• Hunt for rarities like Theodosius III solidi. Their scarcity (thanks to historical turmoil) makes them special finds

Market Observations and Grading Tips

Coins from this period are really popular now, especially gold solidi and tremisses. Fully struck FDC examples command strong money but are scarce. When evaluating:

• Check detail retention on silver drachms – sharp legends and figures matter most
• Watch weight/size variations – lightweight solidi under Maurice Tiberius can indicate minting periods
• Historical context adds value. Coins tied to events like Justinian’s reign tell stories that resonate with buyers

This whole experience reminded me why I love coin collecting – it’s not just metal, it’s history in your hand. I’m already planning my next century exploration!