My Triumphant Journey with My Twelve Caesars Set!

I’m still grinning ear to ear about finally completing my Twelve Caesars set after a year of dedicated hunting! What began as a passion project turned into this incredible adventure, and I managed to keep the whole collection under $2,000 by being clever about sourcing. Let me walk you through how it came together – maybe some of these approaches will help your own collecting goals.

My Collecting Journey

When I set out last year to find coins representing all twelve emperors, I never imagined it would come together so nicely. The real secret? Giving myself a realistic timeline and budget. I learned to embrace patience and keep my eyes peeled for opportunities. Scouring auction houses and dealer inventories became almost a weekly ritual, and that persistence really paid off. One lesson I’ll take forward: have a plan but leave room for happy accidents – like that time I scored an entire lot of provincial bronzes that included three Caesars I needed!

The Composition of My Collection

To make this financially manageable, I mixed silver and base metal coins, balancing imperial issues with more affordable provincial pieces – ending up with six of each type. This approach kept costs down while ensuring every emperor felt properly represented. A few highlights from the set:

• That Augustus denarius stung the wallet a bit, but holding a coin struck during his reign? Absolutely worth it
• My bargain champion was an Antioch bronze of Otho – found it buried in a lot of 17 other bronzes for less than lunch money
• The final piece was a Vespasian denarius with a victory reverse – felt like the perfect symbol for finishing the quest

This variety didn’t just save money – it created a much more visually interesting group that tells richer stories.

Practical Advice for Building Your Set

If you’re thinking about tackling the Twelve Caesars or similar historical sets, here’s what worked for me. First, don’t overlook provincial coins – they’re often more affordable than imperial issues and just as historically significant. When examining coins, I always check for clear details in high-wear areas like hair and legends – a sharp strike matters more than perfect surfaces for me. Second, keep an eye out for bulk lots – you might find unexpected treasures like my Otho bronze. And set small milestones along the way; completing this set has me already saving for my next white whale: an Athenian owl tetradrachm!

Historical Context and Fun Insights

Reading Suetonius’ ‘The Twelve Caesars’ alongside this project completely transformed how I view these coins. The book gives such vivid context – it’s like having background commentary for every emperor in your tray. I’ll never look at a Tiberius coin the same way after learning about his reign of terror on Capri! Understanding these historical connections doesn’t just deepen appreciation – it actually helps with authentication too. You start recognizing how reverse designs often commemorate specific events from their reigns.

Looking Ahead to New Adventures

With my Caesars now proudly displayed, I’m already dreaming about that owl tetradrachm. What I’ve learned above all? Collecting is about the hunt as much as the prize – every coin carries centuries of stories in its metal. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to an established collection, trust your instincts and enjoy the process. Here’s to your next great find!