Unearthing Ancient Treasures: My Favorite Coins Under $100

Retirement nudged my collecting habits toward budget-friendly territory, but honestly? I’ve found just as much joy hunting for coins under $100. Sticking to one or two pieces monthly has sharpened my eye for value and made each new addition feel like a victory. Let me walk you through how I shifted gears, some standout coins I’ve found recently, and how you can build a meaningful collection without emptying your wallet.

My Shift to Budget-Friendly Collecting

When retirement tightened my coin budget, I stopped chasing those flashy triple-digit pieces. Focusing on double-digit treasures has been surprisingly rewarding—it’s like a treasure hunt where patience pays off. I’ve learned to savor the thrill of discovery even more, with each coin telling its own rich story.

Recent Gems I’ve Snagged Under $100

Don’t let the price fool you—affordable coins can be showstoppers. Here are a few of my latest finds:

• Byzantine Beauty: Snagged this under $30! It’s not flashy, but holding a piece of Byzantine history gives me chills.
• Roman Rarity: A Constantine-era coin with the early Chi-Rho symbol for under $100? That’s gold for my Christian iconography collection.
• Greek Silver Steal: Found this ex-BCD Thessaly hemidrachm at auction for $80. Around 2,400 years old and still sharply detailed—proof auctions deliver.
• Hellenistic Bronze: My $34 Syracuse bronze stopped me cold with its moody patina. Sometimes the humblest coins steal your heart.

And I’ve watched friends land similar deals—like a VF Faustina denarius for $45. The deals are out there!

Practical Tips for Scoring Affordable Coins

Here’s what’s worked for me in the trenches:

• Embrace Uncleaned Coins: That grubby lot might hide rarities. I once found an R4 Constantius II follis in a $5 uncleaned batch. Always cross-check references like RIC, but stay open to surprises.
• Explore Unconventional Sources: Scored eight coins for $27 at a charity shop—including a 1600s Spanish cob! Vague listings like “old copper coins” are your friends.
• Auctions Over Dealers: I’ve had better luck bidding than buying fixed-price. Recently dropped $100 at a dealer only to realize auctions give more bang for buck. Just factor in fees!
• Focus on Condition and Rarity: Hunt for VF coins with sharp details—they’re surprisingly common under $100. Even worn coins shine if they’ve got historical weight.

Market Observations and Collecting Insights

Keep an eye on undervalued areas—I’ve noticed bronzes from Rome or Cyzicus often fly under the radar. And don’t sweat old rarity ratings (like R4); hoard discoveries can shift availability overnight. Always verify mint marks—they’re like fingerprints for coins.

Building an ancient collection doesn’t need deep pockets. With clever hunting, you can hold empires in your palm. Now tell me—what’s your favorite budget find? Let’s swap stories and keep the passion alive!