Getting started in ancient numismatics can be daunting. There is a massive variety available and many local coin stores don’t carry ancients (and I’ve found many overprice them or even carry fakes unknowingly). The best tool for any collector is knowledge and this is even more crucial for the ancient collector.

——————————————-Pick a Focus——————————————-

I suggest starting out by first picking between Roman or Greek coins. Roman coinage is often more affordable, easily recognizable, and can be broken down into collecting goals easier (see below). However, many would argue that Greek coins often provide more artistic variety and beauty. Greek coins can be more expensive though. Greek coins are often categorized by city or region (Athens, Ionia, etc). If you are interested in Greek coins, I suggest looking at examples and finding a theme that speaks to you. The owls of Athens are very popular (and expensive!) but the floral themes of Rhodes may also be equally appealing. Many ancient collectors I’ve spoken with began with Roman coins, then later branched out into Greek and others (while keeping their Roman collection updated of course).

——————————————-Your first Roman series——————————————-

A great starting point for a new collector is to acquire the “Five Good Emperors” - Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius. With the exception of Nerva, these are widely known emperors who ruled over the peak of the empire. Their coins are also easily accessible and not terribly expensive for quality pieces. This series can also easily be expanded to the Antonine Dynasty with the addition of Commodus.

You may find coins from later emperors like Gordian III much cheaper and if all you want is a single piece, those are good options. However, the Crisis of the Third Century has a very long list of emperors and starting your collection there may make it even more daunting to collect a series.

——————————————-Picking a coin——————————————-

I always suggest buying the best coin you will be happy with. When I first started collecting, I bought lesser quality coins just because they were cheap. However, I quickly outgrew these pieces and they’ve either been sold or relegated to bottom drawers in my collection. Depending on your budget, some emperors may only be available in less than great quality pieces, such as Balbinus or Gordian I/II.

Always buy from reputable dealers who specialize in ancient numismatics when starting out. Avoid eBay at all costs. There are reputable dealers there, but if you aren’t 100% comfortable with how to identify fakes you will get taken advantage of. I’ve listed two great websites below for shopping and some recommended dealers I’ve worked with often.

When looking at coins, keep in mind these were done by artists by hand. There’s a wide variety of talent on display and styles. Take time to appreciate what the artist was trying to capture, what the message is, and then decide whether that’s something you’d enjoy in your collection.

——————————————-Slabbed versus non-slabbed——————————————-

Slabbed coins (graded coins in plastic cases) are common in the US coin market. The general consensus seems to be among ancient collectors that this makes little sense for our niche. These coins have survived thousands of years and the majority had to be cleaned from being found in the ground. Much of the joy of this niche comes from handling such ancient coins. Where have they been? Who held them? I enjoy looking at the colors of my Morgans, but those just can’t compete with holding a coin once used by a legionary serving under Caesar himself.

Where slabs may make sense are for new collectors. NGC slabs authenticate the coin and offer a guarantee it is real. I still argue that even with a little bit of education (which you’ll need if you’re going to get into this hobby anyway), this advantage becomes moot.