My Hunt for the Rarest Coins in My Collection
July 10, 2025
I recently dove into a fascinating exploration of medieval coins, inspired by a community-driven initiative that spanned centuries from 500 to 1500 CE. Starting with the 500-600 CE era, I uncovered some incredible pieces that highlight the richness of numismatics from this period. Join me as I share my journey through gold solidi, silver drachms, and more, packed with practical insights for collectors.
Exploring the 500-600 CE Coin Landscape
Kicking off with the early medieval period, I focused on coins that often straddle century boundaries due to undated issues and overlapping reigns. This flexibility makes collecting more accessible, as many rulers’ tenures extend beyond strict timelines. Here are some standout examples I encountered:
- Byzantine gold tremissis of Justinian I (527-565 AD): Minted in Constantinople, this coin features detailed inscriptions like “D N IUSTI ANUS PP AV” on the obverse, showcasing the emperor’s authority.
- Sasanian silver drachm of Khusru II (ca. 591-628 AD): A beautiful piece from the Sasanian Empire, with intricate designs that reflect Persian artistry, and it perfectly illustrates how coins can bridge centuries like 500s to 600s.
- Ostrogoth Kingdom AV solidus: Struck in Rome under Theodorich I in the name of Anastasius I (512-517 AD), and another for Justinian I (527-530 AD), emphasizing the interplay between Germanic kingdoms and Byzantine influence.
- Huna Empire AV dinara (circa 545-575 AD): An anonymous issue from Sind, mimicking Sasanian styles, which taught me how regional mints adapted broader imperial motifs.
Seeing these coins reinforced the importance of including brief descriptions with images—especially for less familiar items like the Huna dinara—to aid identification and appreciation.
Collecting Insights and Practical Tips
Through this deep dive, I picked up valuable strategies for building a medieval coin collection. First, always note mint marks and weights; for instance, a Justinian I AE follis at 35mm and 21.15g from Kyzicus with officina B markings helps pinpoint origins. Second, embrace coins from rulers with reigns that cross centuries, like Khusru II’s drachm, as they add historical depth without complicating dating. Third, prioritize coins with clear legends and full strikes, as condition dramatically affects value—I learned that even common issues like Justin II solidi can be elusive in FDC (fully detailed coin) grades. Lastly, document everything: a simple note on provenance or historical context, such as the rarity of Theodosius III solidi due to his tragic end, can transform a coin from mere metal to a storytelling artifact.
Rarity and Grading Observations
Condition is king in medieval numismatics, and my experience highlighted key grading nuances. For example, Justin II solidi are relatively common, but finding one with full luster and no wear is rare—aim for coins where details like facial features on portraits are crisp. Similarly, Maurice Tiberius solidus examples, including lightweight variants from Carthage, often show wear; I recommend checking for complete lettering and minimal surface marks. Rarity plays a huge role too: coins linked to obscure figures like Theodosius III are super rare due to limited minting, so if you spot one, verify authenticity through weight (around 4.5g for gold solidi) and style consistency. Always use a loupe to inspect for tooling or cleaning, as original patina on silver drachms can indicate better preservation.
Historical Fascinations and Market Angles
Delving into the stories behind these coins added layers to my collecting passion. Take the tale of Maurice Tiberius—his solidus issues are common, but the historical drama of his overthrow by Phocas in 602 AD makes them poignant. This context not only enriches ownership but can boost market appeal; coins with documented histories often fetch premiums at auctions. I also noticed that gold coins like Byzantine solidi and tremissis hold strong value due to their precious metal content, while silver drachms from empires like Sasanian offer affordable entry points. For investment, focus on emperors with shorter reigns or unique mint varieties, as they’re scarcer. Overall, this era’s coins remind us that numismatics is a gateway to history, and I’m eager to continue this game into later centuries!
