Smart Collecting: Acquiring a ‘Twelve Caesars’ Roman Imperial Collection Without Overspending

The Allure of Building a Twelve Caesars Collection: Where History Meets Numismatic Passion

Building a Twelve Caesars collection isn’t just an acquisition – it’s a thrilling journey through Roman history that demands the strategic brilliance of a general and the patience of a scholar. As demonstrated by Lord Marcovan’s legendary set (later sold and upgraded), assembling these iconic coins requires equal parts historical insight, market wisdom, and collector’s intuition. Let me guide you through building an imperial collection worthy of the Caesars themselves.

Historical Gravitas: Why These Coins Command Respect

These aren’t mere metal discs – they’re time capsules from Rome’s most dramatic era. The ‘Twelve Caesars’ series spans Julius Caesar’s revolutionary dictatorship (d. 44 BC) to Domitian’s tyrannical end (96 AD), offering tangible connections to:

• Julius Caesar’s lifetime denarius (struck weeks before his assassination) with its hauntingly contemporary portrait
• Tiberius’ legendary ‘Tribute Penny’ mentioned in biblical texts
• The rare coins of mad Caligula, whose brief reign fuels collector fascination
• Vespasian’s powerful ‘Judaea Capta’ issues celebrating Jerusalem’s fall

“Considering I stayed under $500/coin here, even for the Julius Caesar and the Otho… I managed to put together a fairly respectable collection with remarkable eye appeal.” – Lord Marcovan

Hunting Grounds: Where to Find Imperial Treasures

Digital Marketplaces

• VCoins: The collector’s bazaar where you’ll find everything from $50 bronzes with earthy patina to $2,000+ denarii in near-mint condition
• FORVM Ancient Coins: Where marketplace meets intellectual agora – perfect for provenance research
• Specialist Dealers: Establish relationships with trusted names like Incitatus Coins who know their sestertii from their aurei

Physical Conquests

• Coin Shows: Where eagle-eyed collectors spot hidden gems in ‘junk bins’ – I once witnessed a dealer’s $15 Augustus as turn out to be a rare variety
• Auction Houses: Heritage’s signature sales feature museum-quality specimens where sharp strikes and original luster command premium prices

Treacherous Territory

• eBay’s Labyrinth: While genuine coins exist, beware these red flags:
  • Too-good pricing on rare emperors (authentic Otho denarii rarely surface under $400)
  • Stock images instead of actual coin photography
  • Questionable provenance from regions notorious for ‘tourist quality’ fakes

Authenticity Warfare: Protecting Your Imperial Treasury

Forgery Detection Tactics

• Portrait Proficiency: Study Caesar’s distinctive aquiline nose and Augustus’ youthful curls on Wildwinds.com
• Weight Watchers: Authentic silver denarii should feel substantial at 3-3.5g; suspect any feather-light impostors
• Surface Scrutiny: Modern tooling leaves unnatural highlights on high-relief areas – real ancient patina tells a smoother story

Even experts get fooled – one collector’s Vitellius denarius sparked debate when NGC controversially labeled it an “ancient forgery.”

Environmental Enemies

• Wooden Woes: Mahogany displays preserve while oak accelerates undesirable toning
• PVC Peril: The green death for bronzes – I’ve seen coins develop verdigris within a year in cheap holders

“My silver coins in Whitman holders tarnished an ugly black… I still cringe when I think of selling those early halves at melt.” – Veteran Forum Collector

Negotiation Tactics: Getting Legionary Value

Dealer Diplomacy

• Bulk Buying: Most VCoins dealers offer 5-10% discounts when you purchase multiple coins – perfect for completing your Julio-Claudian dynasty
• Payment Power: Save 3% by wiring funds instead of using credit cards
• Timing Triumphs: Dealers often make better offers at month’s end to clear inventory

Show Strategies

• The Art of the Bundle: Pair that rare Otho with common Constantines to negotiate better overall pricing
• Relationship Currency: One collector gained first refusal on new Twelve Caesars material simply by being a regular customer

The Eternal Debate: Raw Majesty vs. Slab Security

Grading Advantages

• NGC/PCGS Slabs: Provide authenticity armor and condition assessment
  • Investment: $35-75 per coin plus shipping
  • Essential For: High-value pieces like Julius Caesar denarii where provenance is paramount

Raw Coin Romance

• Budget-Friendly: Avoid 15-20% grading premiums – more coins for your denarii
• Display Glory: Air-Tite holders showcase original surfaces without plastic barriers
• Market Reality: Most dealer inventories remain raw – limiting yourself to slabs means missing 70% of available coins

“If I had it to do over again, I might have done AirTites instead of NGC slabs – there’s nothing like holding history bare-handed.” – Lord Marcovan

The Campaign Strategy: Building Your Imperial Legacy

1. Begin your conquest with accessible emperors: Vespasian bronzes ($50-150) with their satisfying weight
2. Advance to mid-range prizes: Tiberius’ ‘Tribute Penny’ ($250-400) offers biblical significance
3. Execute your masterpiece: Julius Caesar lifetime issues ($800-2,500) represent the pinnacle of collectibility
4. Master patience: True collectors know Otho’s rare denarii appear only 2-3 times yearly under $1,000

Conclusion: An Empire Worth Building

A Twelve Caesars collection represents more than numismatic value – it’s a physical timeline of Rome’s most transformative century. As countless collectors have discovered since Lord Marcovan first shared his achievement, these coins blend historical significance with breathtaking artistry. While prices have marched upward (Julius Caesar denarii now start around $800), strategic collecting still yields imperial rewards. Whether you prefer the security of slabs or the unbridled joy of raw coins, remember: every Caesar in your collection represents a victory in the eternal campaign to preserve history.

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