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Ancient & Shipwreck Coins
The ancient era, stretching back from Babylon to Ancient Rome and beyond, saw millions of coins minted, though many have been lost and may never be found.
Here’s a review of the best ancient coins for sale:
What Is Considered an Ancient Coin?
Generally, “ancient” coins are those considered to have been minted before 500 AD. This includes coinage minted during the time of Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire and later.
The Roman Empire’s Silver Denarius and Other Ancient Roman Coins
Early in the Roman Empire, bronze coins were the most common. Bronze coinage like Constantine Bronzes paid tribute to Constantine the Great.
One of the most popular ancient coins for sale is the Denarius, minted in the Roman Empire and often made of 85% silver. Other popular Ancient Roman coins include the Aureus Denarius, made of gold, and Honorius gold coins (which weigh around 4.5 grams each).
The Alexander the Great Silver Coin and Other Ancient Greek Coins
Alexander the Great’s empire stretched from Greece into Europe and Asia. Many silver coins were minted with the likeness of Alexander as he built a commercial system that would last for thousands of years beyond his death. Ancient Greek coins like the drachm, gold stater, and Athenian Owl Tetradrachm are popular pursuits for coin collectors.
Byzantine Coins From 300-1400 AD
The Byzantine Empire originated in 476 A.D after the Roman Empire fell. Coins from the Byzantine Empire were minted from 300 A.D. to 1400 A.D. and include gold coins, silver coins, and more, many of which have beautiful and religiously-inspired designs on their faces.
Rare Coins Featuring Augustus and More
Interestingly, the first coin featuring a living person would wear the likeness of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. Men weren’t the only political figures to be featured prominently on coins; women like Fulvia (wife to Emperor Marcus Aurelius) and Cleopatra were also immortalized. Other famous Roman Imperial coins include those honoring Caracalla, Trajan, and Nero.
The coin of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor after the fall of the Roman Republic, is not only on a coin but introduced coinage reform himself. He was behind the minting of the gold aureus and the silver denarius.
Ancient Coin Listings from Ancient Greece, Rome, and Beyond
The study of numismatics includes coins, banknotes, and medals. And while we love all of these, ancient coins have a special place in our hearts: Ancient coins are unparalleled in their variety and historical beauty.
Don’t let the hunt for rare ancient coins for sale prevent you from completing your collection. Check out Bullion Shark’s ancient coin listings from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other countries today!
