My Twelve Caesars Coin Collection: A Year-Long Numismatic Triumph

Wow, what a rush! I just finished assembling a complete set of coins for all Twelve Caesars – and pulled it off in just one year. This journey turned out to be both thrilling and surprisingly budget-friendly, packed with lessons I’m excited to share with fellow collectors. Let me show you how I built this set without breaking the bank, highlight some favorite pieces, and pass along tips that made all the difference.

Building the Set Without Emptying My Wallet

My proudest achievement? Keeping the whole collection under $2,000. The secret was mixing silver and base metal coins, plus balancing imperial mint issues with provincial ones. I ended up with six silver and six base metal coins – half from Rome’s official mints, half from provincial workshops like Antioch. This approach saved serious cash while creating a wonderfully varied set. My biggest splurge was an Augustus denarius (couldn’t skip that one!), but I balanced it with steals like an Otho bronze from Antioch that came in a lot of 17 other bronzes. Here’s a real collector’s secret: keep an eye on auction house mixed lots – treasures often hide in plain sight.

Coins That Stole My Heart

While every coin tells a story, some really sing. That Vespasian denarius with the victory reverse? I saved it for last – felt like celebrating my own triumph! When photographing the group, I lean toward larger bronzes like my Caligula piece; their size makes details pop better than smaller silvers. And don’t make the mistake some collectors do – include Julius Caesar! He’s not technically an emperor, but you can’t have the Twelve Caesars without him anchoring the historical narrative.

Hard-Won Wisdom for Your Own Collection

If you’re thinking of starting your own Twelve Caesars set, here’s what worked for me:

• Authenticity matters: Skip substitutes like Marc Antony legionaries for Julius Caesar. Read Suetonius’ “The Twelve Caesars” instead – it’s a page-turner that brings these coins to life (though Tiberius’ antics might haunt your dreams!).
• Condition strategy: For denarii and other silvers, prioritize legible inscriptions and clean surfaces. I aim for VF (Very Fine) or better – they age well and hold value. With bronzes, you can relax standards without worry.
• Track your finds: Seriously, write them down! I almost bought duplicates twice before starting a simple spreadsheet. Now I log finds immediately – even from my phone at coin shows.
• Market quirks: Silvers generally hold steady value, especially now. Provincial bronzes? Often overlooked bargains. Watch for price jumps on rarer emperors like Caligula – their popularity can surprise you.

What’s Next for This Collector

With this cabinet filled, I’ve set my sights on an Athenian owl tetradrachm. It’s the holy grail that connects perfectly to ancient coinage, and I’m already dreaming of its spot beside my Caesars.

Putting this set together brought me more joy than I expected – not just from the coins themselves, but from living with their history. If you’re building your own collection, savor every discovery. Here’s to the hunt!