The Guide To Collecting Ancient Coins
As far as historians can tell, early developments of coins were reported to have begun around 650 BC. Perhaps one of the most notable examples of these early coins comes from the Lydians, which is a kingdom with ties to ancient Greece. However, the true invention of coins is still very much unknown. There are many debates about the exact dates and origin of coins, which means that there could very well be ancient coins that have yet to be discovered—how exciting!
With all there is to be discovered, it’s no surprise that people love to collect rare ancient coins. It’s a like a modern-day treasure hunt, and you don’t have to be Indiana Jones to get in on the action. Ancient coin collecting is a hobby that is relatively easy to join. While most people assume that you must be rolling in money to afford any of these coins, there are actually several affordable options, which makes ancient coin collecting a possibility for everyone.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore how to get ancient coins, whether they are worth investing in, and some of the best ancient coins to add to your collection, so keep reading to learn more.
Are Ancient Coins a Good Investment?
A good investment is an asset that you would expect to make money over time. In order to determine whether or not you should invest, you’ll want to know, “are ancient coins valuable?” If so, will they continue to increase in value? With ancient coins, the value comes from a constantly expanding market as more and more people across the world are choosing to collect them.
The second influence is the supply. Though there can be new discoveries, you can’t make new old coins. The limited supply is always decreasing as time takes its toll. Coins are either lost or damaged, and as the supply decreases, the value of the coins you hold increase.
How to Collect Ancient Coins
This is often one of the first questions people have when discovering the world of numismatics. Numismatics refers to the study and collection of currency. This can include:
While some numismatists only seek to study coins as a hobby, it is essential to note that many of these collectibles are also associated with an appraisal and assigned value. A numismatic coin’s value is typically determined by the coin’s quality, rarity, and demand.
As a result, these coins typically have a value far exceeding their face values. For example, a rare silver dollar may only be worth $1 if spent as regular currency, but it could be worth thousands if sold to a collector.
Best Ancient Coins to Collect
A numismatic coin isn’t the same as the spare change in your couch or pocket. Instead, they are special coins that come that typically have some historical significance or an element that makes them highly desirable to collectors. Some coins gain their numismatic status because of their:
Ancient Greek Coins
Now that you know the definition of the word, it’s easier to understand what numismatic gold is. The term specifically refers to coins made of gold, of course. Some examples of gold numismatic coins include:
- 1849 O Gold U.S. Dollar MS-64 NGC
- 1907 $20 St. Gaudens High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin
- 1911 $5 Indian Head AU58 PCGS
Ancient Roman Coins
Gold isn’t the only precious metal used to make numismatic coins. You can also find many collectible coins in silver. The following are some great examples of silver coins with a higher numismatic value:
- 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar
- 1921 Peace Silver Dollar
- 1942-P Jefferson Wartime Nickel
Ancient Chinese Coins
Gold isn’t the only precious metal used to make numismatic coins. You can also find many collectible coins in silver. The following are some great examples of silver coins with a higher numismatic value:
- 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar
- 1921 Peace Silver Dollar
- 1942-P Jefferson Wartime Nickel
Egyptian Ancient Coins
Gold isn’t the only precious metal used to make numismatic coins. You can also find many collectible coins in silver. The following are some great examples of silver coins with a higher numismatic value:
- 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar
- 1921 Peace Silver Dollar
- 1942-P Jefferson Wartime Nickel
How to Clean Ancient Coins
If you want to get into coin collecting, you’ll need to know more about where to shop. If you want to make money off your collection, you’ll also want to know where to sell numismatic coins. Regardless of whether you want to buy or sell, there are several ways you can do so. The following are just a few examples of places that buy and sell coins:
- Online Dealers: If you are looking for a particular coin, you may prefer to shop online. It will give you access to a world full of unique coins from different countries. It’s recommended that you only work with trusted dealers, however. There are plenty of scams to look out for on the internet.
- Pawn Shops: As you start to learn more about coins and what to look for, you may be able to shop for them in pawn shops or antique stores. These can be great opportunities to buy coins at lower prices.
- Coin Shows: Coin shows and expos are wonderful places for new numismatists. These gatherings give you the opportunity to learn more about coins and ask questions. You’ll also find a wide variety of beautiful collections to shop, and if you decide to sell, you’ll find plenty of buyers.
Where to Buy Ancient Coins Online
Are you interested in learning more about how you can dive into the world of numismatics? If so, you’ve found a great place to start. At International Precious metals, we take great pride in helping first-time buyers find the right piece for their collection or investment portfolio.
If you want to get started, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can give us a call to speak with a professional about your numismatic goals. Our agents are available 24/7 at our toll-free, so you can get in touch anytime. We also have an online chat representative for you to conveniently ask questions as they come!
If you’re interested in reading more about rare US coins, check out some of our other great posts including, ‘The Most Valuable Coins In US History’, ‘Understanding Numismatic Coins & Value' and ‘Guide To Buying Gold’.
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