I’m still grinning like an idiot after today’s amazing coin haul—eight ancient pieces for just 20 quid (about $27)! They were listed online as “old copper coins” by a charity shop, part of a house clearance donation. At roughly £2.50 a pop, it was a chance I had to take, and wow, did it ever take me on a trip through time.
The Thrill of the Hunt
When the package landed, I couldn’t wait to unwrap them—you know that buzz every collector gets. The coins were a real mixed bag, mostly copper, showing their age and wear like badges of honor. Finding stuff like this through charity sources is exactly why I love hunting this way. You just never know what treasures might be hiding behind a vague description. My tip? Always grab these kinds of deals. Even if some turn out to be common, the chance of finding something special makes it worth taking a chance.
Putting Names to Faces
Spreading them out on my desk, I got to work figuring out who was who, putting what I’ve learned over the years to work. Here’s the lineup:
- A chunky Spanish cob coin from the 1600s, featuring that classic castle design – amazing it’s held up so well.
- A Kushan AE tetradrachm from around 80-90 AD, likely from India, showing a horseman raising his hand – a real testament to how coins travelled the ancient world.
- A Judean prutah of Agrippa I (37-44 AD), with three barley ears and that distinctive umbrella-like symbol. Spotting the faint “ΙΠΑ” inscription was the clincher.
- A Roman Republican quadrans from the 1st century BC – Hercules on one side, a ship’s prow on the other. Holding something like that? You can almost feel the history.
- The rest included a Kashmiri AE coin from the 11th century and a lovely Hellenistic piece with Isis’ head dating back to the 3rd or 2nd century BC.
Judging their condition, I focused on what details were still clear – coins like the Agrippa prutah, where you can make out key elements, always carry more interest, even with wear. What struck me most was how this one little haul connected me to so many different places and times, offering real pieces of long-lost empires.
What I’ll Remember
This bargain find reminded me of a few things. First, when it comes to finding deals, coins from house clearances often slip through the cracks. Setting up alerts for charity listings can help you snag undervalued pieces before they’re properly identified. Second, when you’re stuck on an unknown coin, look for the stand-out bits first – a unique symbol, a readable letter, or the metal type can point you in the right direction. Finally, for keeping track, I’m adding little notes about each one’s history as I display them, turning this find into my own mini-exhibit. It just goes to show that with a sharp eye and a bit of patience, this hobby can deliver incredible adventures without costing a fortune.
What a day! I’m already buzzing for my next hunt, and this wild mix has me picturing ancient markets and hidden stashes.
