My Insights on Realistic Ancient Collecting Holy Grails

As an ancient coin collector, I’ve spent years chasing down my personal ‘holy grails’—those special pieces that spark excitement without emptying my wallet. Today I’ll share some of my own collecting targets, along with hard-won tips on hunting them, market observations, and grading advice to help fellow collectors pursue their dream coins.

What Makes a Realistic Holy Grail

For me, a true grail balances rarity and accessibility. I look for coins that whisper history through their portraits or reverses, and I’ve learned to appreciate lower grades—even worn examples can tell powerful stories. That patina-covered Hadrian drachm in my collection? Its smooth chocolate surface turned an ordinary coin into a favorite. I skip ultra-rarities like Titus’s Colosseum sestertius and focus on achievable goals, like a Sulla denarius in Fine condition (they’ve been running $800–$1,200 lately, depending on surfaces).

My Roman Empire Wishlist

My Roman grails usually involve completing sets or landing iconic portraits. Here’s what I’m currently tracking:

• Julius Caesar denarius: Hunting one with a crisp portrait from just before his assassination. They exist but command $2,000+ for decent VF examples. I’ve found legibility trumps grade—a Fine coin with sharp features often feels more rewarding than a worn AU.
• Gallienus Zoo reverses: Slowly building a set with large flans and full legends. Tough but doable with auction patience. Prices are climbing, so I budget for one piece at a time.
• Late Western emperors: Always watching for Constantine III, Eugenius, or even a battered Priscus Attalus AE3. Bronze versions are friendlier to budgets—siliquae like Constantine III’s sometimes dip under $1,000 in lower grades if you catch the right auction.
• Empresses and usurpers: Still missing Statilia Messalina and Cornelia Supera for my empress lineup. For usurpers like Uranius, I stick with AE bronzes—they’re often overlooked and can land under $500 with smart bidding.

Grading matters: I prioritize minimal corrosion and readable inscriptions, even in Fine condition. Saw a Carausius denarius spike recently (that $700 VCoins deal still haunts me!), so I’ve set alerts on dealer sites.

Byzantine & Gold Dreams

Gold coins give me a thrill, but I keep expectations grounded:

• Byzantine solidus: My first ancient gold was a Vespasian aureus with Victory on a cista mystica—cost about $5,000 but had great provenance. For a Justinian solidus, I’d start with a lower-grade piece under $3,000.
• Late antique silver: Still hunting a quarter-siliqua of Theia/Tejas to finish my Ostrogothic set. Scored a half-siliqua under $400 by stalking auctions with clear photos—verifying legends is crucial.
• Medieval gold: That MS AV Demi Noble from Brabant/Flanders 1488 remains a long-shot dream. They rarely surface, so I keep a ‘grail fund’ and check European auctions yearly.

Gold requires extra care: Always check weight and clipping. Roman aurei are pricey, but I’ve found silver coins with killer reverses—like Faustina II’s elephant carpentum sestertius—deliver more value.

Hellenistic & Ancient Passions

I love bridging historical periods through coins:

• Hellenistic tetradrachms: A Doson tet tops my list, but prices have jumped. Would settle for a VF around $1,500–$2,000. Alternatively, a Seleukid or Ptolemaic ruler offers a more affordable connection.
• Archaic Greek coins: An Attica tetradrachm with archaic Athena remains a stretch goal—retail prices exceed my budget, so I haunt estate sales for problem-free examples under $1,000.
• Indo Sassanian rarities: Coins like Chittaraja Gadhaiya or Hammira AE rarely appear. I’ve learned to watch group lots closely—they sometimes hide treasures. For Hindu Kashmir rulers, I’ve connected with dealers in India to avoid brutal shipping costs.

Hellenistic coins are heating up market-wise, so I jump when opportunities arise. For bronzes, I prioritize even patinas and avoid pitted coins—conservation headaches aren’t worth the discount.

Field-Tested Hunting Strategies

After years of chasing grails, here’s what works for me:

• Budgeting & patience: I set aside a monthly ‘grail fund’ and wait for the right moment—like when I finally landed that Faustina II aureus after three years of watching. For big-ticket items like Julius Caesar denarii, I start with lower-grade alternatives to build momentum.
• Market tactics: Auction trends reveal opportunities—denarii of Galba or Otho sometimes dip under $500 in Fine condition. VCoins and eBay can yield gems, but I always verify sellers.
• Grading priorities: Clear portraits or reverses matter more than minor wear. For empresses or late emperors like Anthemius, I look for decent metal to ensure longevity.
• Set completion: Mini-sets keep goals manageable, like pairing Lucilla with Faustina I. Weird rarities (that M. Volteius denarius with Ceres reverse took me four auctions!) test persistence but reward it.

Ultimately, my grail journey celebrates the hunt and each coin’s story. Whether it’s a Cleopatra bronze or a Gordian II to complete a set, I encourage you to define your own realistic targets—start modestly, stay curious, and savor every find!