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As a lifelong coin collector, I’ve always felt drawn to rare coins—those mysterious pieces that seem to carry echoes of ancient traders and forgotten mints. Over time, I’ve been lucky enough to hold some truly special coins in my hands. Today, I’d like to share a few favorites from my collection, along with what makes them unique and some tips I’ve picked up along the way.
My Prized Rarities
One coin that still haunts me is an Etruscan AE26 from Central Italy (300-250 BC). It shows a man holding a scepter and patera, with a dog carrying an aryballos—so rare it appears in references like SNG Cop. 44. That dark green patina and its connection to Rome’s Etruscan roots made parting with it genuinely tough. Another treasure is my Seleucid tetradrachm of Antiochos Hierax (242-227 BC), struck at Alexandreia Troas. I snagged it from a notable hoard, and its sharp Apollo design still makes it a star in my collection.
- Constantine I Follis: Minted in AD 319 at Siscia, this VICT LAETAE coin with two victories holding a shield—only three others known. It anchors my Roman collection.
- Ionian Klazomenai Diobol: Dating to 499-494 BC, this silver piece features a left-facing winged boar—unpublished and far scarcer than the common right-facing types.
- Carthaginian 15-Shekel: Early 2nd-century BCE bronze with a horse standing, foreleg raised. Just four documented—I still hunt for more to complete the set.
- Alexandrian Obol of Marcus Aurelius: Struck in CE 151/2, rated R5 by Emmett (meaning one or two major collections hold it), yet surprisingly affordable if you find one.
Decoding Rarity
Rarity in ancient coins can be tricky—sometimes it’s about tiny differences or gaps in records. Take my Ionian Klazomenai AE10.7 with a winged boar above a ram: no mention in Imhoof-Blumer, making it a true sleeper. I cross-check sources like RIC or Emmett, but even then, rarity shifts. That Postumus antoninianus from Cologne (RIC VII 81) might be rare today, but a new hoard could surface tomorrow. Market surprises keep us humble!
When judging rarity, I stick to basics: comb through Wildwinds or ACSearch, check specialists like Alexandropoulos for Carthaginian issues, and study control marks. Condition matters too—my Caligula sestertius with Pietas reverse looks “museum quality” without the price tag, proving great coins don’t always cost a fortune.
Tips for Collecting Rare Coins
From my own stumbles and wins, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Dig Deep on Research: Double-check everything. My Licinius I follis was called R5 in RIC VII, but I verified it against auction records before believing the hype.
- Hoards Change Everything: Remember the Seville hoard? Overnight, “rare” coins became common. I never buy just for scarcity—historical significance lasts longer.
- Keep Good Records: I log details for coins like my Augustus bronze from Dionysopolis (only five known). Tracking provenance helps spot true rarities over time.
- Celebrate Small Differences: Minor quirks create uniqueness. My Constantinopolis commemorative with double reeded border taught me to study die links—they hide the best secrets.
Why Rarity Thrills Us
While I adore rare coins, I’ve learned scarcity alone doesn’t fuel this hobby. Like many of you, I’d trade ten rarities for one Eid Mar denarius—not because it’s rare, but because it whispers of Caesar’s assassination. Or that mythical “Winged Dolphin Man” coin? I’d choose story over scarcity any day. Truth is, the real magic lives in the hunt and the history, whether it’s a common issue or a once-in-a-lifetime find. Every coin, after all, is a tiny time machine—and that’s why we keep searching.
