Authenticity in Question: My Deep Dive into an Athenian Tetradrachm
June 22, 2025Greek Art, Fame, and Fake News: My Numismatic Exploration of the Tyche of Antioch
June 22, 2025
What a thrill to finally hold all twelve coins of the Caesars set! After a year of patient searching, I’ve just completed it – and kept the whole collection under $2,000. This journey showed me how achievable this legendary group can be with the right approach.
My Budget-Friendly Path to Completion
To make this work without breaking the bank, I mixed silver and base metal coins, balancing imperial and provincial issues. This blend saved me serious money while keeping all the historical weight. A few tactics that really paid off:
- Bargain hunting: My Antioch bronze of Otho came in a 17-coin lot – turned out to be the set’s cheapest piece
- Patience pays: For the priciest coin (Augustus denarius), I watched auction trends and silver market dips
- Embrace bronze: Often overlooked, these base metal coins deliver history at friendlier prices than all-silver sets
Coins That Tell a Story
Every piece has its own character, but adding that Vespasian denarius last felt like victory – the reverse design seemed to celebrate right along with me! Some personal highlights:
- Augustus denarius: The collection’s cornerstone that anchored everything
- Otho bronze: Proof that bulk lots can hide real treasures
- Caligula drachm: I chose a chunky bronze for photos – its size shows details beautifully
Tips for Your Own Caesar Quest
Stick strictly to Suetonius’ twelve emperors – no substituting Marc Antony for Julius Caesar if you want the true historical thread. Reading “The Twelve Caesars” adds incredible depth (though fair warning: Tiberius’ cruelty still haunts me). Condition-wise, I found VF grades hit the sweet spot: display-worthy without premium prices.
Where the Market Stands & What’s Next
Provincial bronzes feel undervalued right now, while silver denarii prices dance around – timing matters. Personally? I’m already dreaming of an Athenian owl tetradrachm as my next conquest. Completing this set connected me to ancient Rome in ways I never expected. If you’re considering it, take the leap – you can touch history without spending a fortune. Good luck out there!
