I recently got hooked on a coin-collecting game focused on the Middle Ages, spanning roughly 500 to 1500 CE. What a thrilling ride through ancient empires! I uncovered rare treasures and learned so much about numismatics along the way. Starting with the 500-600 CE period, I was struck by the incredible variety – Byzantine gold next to Sassanian silver, each whispering stories of history and craftsmanship.
Exploring the 500-600 CE Century
This era revealed coins that truly capture early medieval artistry. Take Justinian I’s Byzantine gold tremissis (around 527-565 AD) – its intricate legends and Constantinople mint marks practically breathe history. I was equally fascinated by Khusru II’s Sassanian silver drachm (c. 591-628 AD), a perfect example of how coins often straddle century boundaries, especially when undated.
Here are a few other gems that caught my eye:
- Ostrogothic gold solidi minted in Rome, bearing names like Anastasius I and Justinian I – such a cool blend of Roman and Germanic styles
- A Huna Empire gold dinara from Sind (c. 545-575 AD) that borrows Sassanian designs, showing how coinage crossed cultures
- Byzantine solidi and tremisses from Tiberius II or Anastasius I, where mint locations like Constantinople become crucial for authentication
Handling coins from reigns spanning multiple centuries taught me something valuable: historical context often matters more than exact dates. Ruler timelines became my best friend for placing pieces.
Practical Collecting Insights
I picked up some great tips I’d love to share. Always pair images with simple descriptions – weight, diameter, and mint marks turn mysterious coins into approachable artifacts. For example, officina marks on Justinian I or Maurice Tiberius coins can dramatically affect rarity and value.
In the market, I noticed something interesting: while common emperors like Justin II have abundant solidi, finding fully struck examples in FDC condition feels like hunting unicorns – they’re elusive and command premium prices. Historical events shape scarcity too; gold from Carthage often proves rare due to upheavals like Phocas’s usurpation, making Theodosius III coins exceptionally hard to find.
Grading Tips and Rarity Factors
Grading these ancients demands sharp observation. Focus on strike quality: coins with complete legends and minimal wear stand out. Early Justinian I types with full strikes are particularly special. Silver drachms often preserve lovely details when well-kept, but gold solidi need weight checks – light coins might be later strikes or overly worn.
Rarity isn’t just about age – it’s about the story behind the coin. Short reigns or turbulent times, like Maurice Tiberius’s consular issues, create scarcity. When buying, trust provenance and clear attributions; they’re your safety net in this ever-shifting market.
This game has rekindled my love for medieval coins, and I’m itching to explore more periods. Whether you’re drawn to precious metals or historical tales, delving into these eras offers endless fascination and makes you a better collector.