My Journey Through the Middle Age Coin Game

Introduction: My Middle Ages Obsession Begins

You know that feeling when you stumble upon a collecting idea that just clicks? That’s what happened when I discovered this century-by-century approach to medieval coins. Starting with the 500-600 CE period felt like opening a time capsule – the variety of coins and their stories hooked me immediately. What began as a casual challenge quickly became my favorite way to appreciate the depth of numismatics.

The 500-600 CE Century: Where I Started

When I first focused on 500-600 CE coins, the diversity genuinely surprised me. Holding a Byzantine gold piece next to a Sasanian silver coin felt like touching different worlds. Here are some that really captured my imagination:

• Justinian I’s Byzantine gold tremissis (527-565 AD) – the craftsmanship still amazes me
• That stunning Sasanian drachm of Khusru II (591-628 AD) with its incredible detail
• Ostrogoth solidi minted in Rome under Anastasius I – the iconography tells such rich stories
• Byzantine issues from Justin II and Maurice Tiberius, especially those rare consular coins

Here’s something I learned early on: don’t stress about exact dates. Coins like Khusru II’s drachm that cross century boundaries fit perfectly in this collecting approach, making undated pieces much less frustrating.

Hard-Won Lessons From My Collection

After handling hundreds of these coins, I’ve picked up some practical wisdom. Always pair photos with notes – it saved me when identifying Huna dinaras that look like Sasanian copies. Grading taught me that truly mint-state coins like Justin II’s solidi are unicorns; focus instead on sharp details and minimal wear. And watch those mints! A Constantinople coin versus one from Rome or Carthage can mean huge differences in rarity and price. Oh, and if you spot usurper coins like Theodosius III solidi at auction? Grab them – they’re rare as hen’s teeth.

History That Comes Alive in Your Hand

What keeps me collecting are the human stories behind the metal. Holding a Maurice Tiberius solidus while reading about his tragic fall to Phocas gives me chills. That lightweight Carthage solidus in my collection? It whispers tales of distant mints and economic struggles. Remember: even common emperors’ coins become special in top condition. I always check for full strikes and that magical original luster – that’s where the real value lives.

Why This Journey Changed My Collecting

This century game transformed how I see medieval coins. It’s not about the gold or silver – it’s about those electric moments when history becomes tangible. I’m already itching to explore the next century, and you should try it too. Share your discoveries with fellow collectors, savor the learning process, and enjoy that heart-racing thrill when you finally track down a long-sought piece. That’s what makes our hobby so special.