Thursday Thirties: My Numismatic Journey Through Decades Ending in the 30s

I’ve been collecting coins my whole life, and themed sets always spark my enthusiasm. That’s how ‘Thursday Thirties’ became a weekly ritual I genuinely look forward to. Hunting for coins from decades ending in the thirties—whether ancient relics or modern mintings—has brought me face-to-face with some remarkable pieces where history and collecting passion collide. Let me share what I’ve learned along the way and some tips that might help your own collecting adventures.

Ancient and Medieval Highlights from the Thirties

Recently I added a Constantine I bronze to my collection—minted around A.D. 335. This 20mm piece weighs just over 3 grams and shows Constantine with a rosette diadem on the front. Flip it over and you’ll find Victory holding a wreath and palm, with the inscription ‘S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI’. What fascinates me is how it mimics an older Trajan denarius—a real conversation starter about Constantinople’s history. Shifting to medieval times, I’ve been studying an Ostrogothic coin from the 530s under Witigis. This 15mm piece from Ravenna weighs 4.63g and declares ‘INVICTA ROMA’ on one side with the ruler’s name on the other. Coins like this from turbulent periods often fly under collectors’ radars, but they’re little windows into forgotten worlds.

Rare Finds and Market Observations

One of my heart-pounding discoveries was the 1438 Liege II-8 coin—fewer than six exist today. When you find something that scarce, you know it’ll hold its value. But treasures aren’t always pricey; just last month I grabbed an 1839 Seated Liberty Quarter in VG 8 condition for $100. At that grade, you can still make out Liberty clearly despite the wear. That’s the beauty of lower-grade coins: they let you own history without emptying your wallet. My rule? Watch auction trends like a hawk and let rarity guide your decisions.

Modern Errors and Grading Tips

Mint errors add such character to modern coins. My 1939 piece has trapped gas bubbles—an ‘occluded gas’ flaw that happened during striking. Finding quirks like this reminds me to examine every coin carefully; those imperfections can make a piece truly special. For grading, I stick to the standard scales. Take that VG 8 grade on my 1839 Quarter—it means moderate wear but key details remain crisp. Here’s my two cents: buy certified when you can, and always cross-reference with grading guides so you don’t overspend.

Practical Collecting Insights

After years of ‘thirties’ hunting, here’s what works for me:

• Chase Rarity: Seek coins like that 1438 Liege with few surviving examples—they’re often solid investments. Check mintage records when you can.
• Hunt for Errors: Gas bubbles and other mint flaws pop up more than you’d think. Keep a loupe handy.
• Scout Auctions: Sites like GreatCollections yield surprises. I set alerts for specific decades—that’s how I found my bargain Quarter.
• Mix Eras: Pairing ancient bronzes with 20th-century errors creates a richer collection. Each period tells its own tale.
• Master Grading: Know what terms like VG really mean. Well-worn coins can be perfect for budget-conscious collectors.

This ‘Thursday Thirties’ journey has only deepened my numismatic love affair. Every coin feels like holding history—whether it’s echoing Roman glory or capturing a mint worker’s off-day. The thrill never fades, and I’d love to hear what treasures you uncover in your own collection!