Collecting direction

[Bob D]

Considering the coin market and availability, can anyone recommend a direction for me to take.  I do like the alexander the great timeperiod but am just as intrigued with other time periods. If you experienced folks had to do it again, what would you start collecting. I am just trying to narrow this down because I seem to be buying all over the map.

[Rich Beale]

The best thing for you to do is to sit down and take a good look at the types of coinage available to you - including culture and timeperiod. You may decide that you like the look of Constantinian era bronzes, Republican silver, or Greek tetradrachms. If you can do so, you should also try to buy the best quality coinage you can - even if it means saving up and passing over several other poorer quality examples. Not only does it give your collection a more impressive feel, but the better pieces will also hold (and probably increase) their value.

[David Atherton]

I started collecting in my personal niche (Flavian denarii) because of the rich history behind the coins. I've always been fascinated by Roman history, especially the first century. Vesuvius, The Jewish War, Masada, the Colosseum, the Great Fire of 64 AD, the year of the four emperors...all are  subjects which have enthralled me since childhood. When I was 13 or so I read Suetonius for the first time, I've been hooked ever since.

My advice: find out what area(s) of history excite you and go on from there.

(And I'm not saying my head isn't ever turned by a pretty coin out of my collecting niche!)

[Bob D]

If I were to pursue 1st century Roman would I collect according to a chart of some sort that provides the mints etc..? I am interested in Christianity around 10BC to 70ad or so. Would a good reference book be required to find out what was available at that time period? Any recommendations on a good book that would contain that info? Thanks

[David Atherton]

If Roman coins are what your after, order a copy of The Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins by David Van Meter. It's a nice comprehensive guide to most (not all!) of the major types. The Roman Imperial Coinage series in 10 volumes is a much more in depth catalog of all known types. It's pricey but worth it.  David Sear's Roman Coins and their Values is a nice compromise between the two (both price wise and content wise).

If biblical coins are your interest, get a hold of David Hendin's Guide to Biblical Coins, which is the standard reference for those coins.

[Robert_Brenchley]

If funds are limited, look for areas of coinage which have vey few people specialising in them, and little demand for the coins.

[Bob D]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will browse this website and others to come up to speed on what I like. Perhaps that and a couple good books will help me make my decision.

[TitusV]

Buying all over the map isn't necessarily all bad. I've tried to limit my collecting specialty, but there's too many areas of (Roman imperial) history that I enjoy. I keep simply buying coins I'm interested in. I think coin collecting is a pretty personal experience; I buy what "moves" me. If that happens to be imperial denarii of emperors known for their military prowess (my collecting "specialty") great. If not, oh well. Don't limit yourself just because you feel you need a specialty.

[IhsantheCursed]

It depends. If your into Roman Coins, the Late Bronzes are obviously the way to go, as some of them can be very inexpensive. Recently Ive managed to pick up a few very nice first century coins just by shopping around...so I guess thats my biggest advice, shop around.

Certainly Joe has some great coins here, and some good deals too. Sometimes though Forvm may not have exactly what your looking for. Knowing more than one reputable store is a very good idea IMO.

At first I didnt know what direction my collection would take, all I knew was that I wanted Roman coins. After buying a couple coins I realized that two themes were forming. They were all first ventury, and they all had clear "S-C" marks on the reverses.

[Bob D]

Great info. I just may decide to buy what "moves" me also. My likes are varied also, I just started researching and buying a few coins this past month and I like them all. I especially like the Ptolemy Bronze ones I just recently acquired. Thanks

[Arminius]

It depends on what kind of person you are.
As I mentioned in another thread before: to me every specialisation sooner or later turns out expensive and boring.

In addition the coin market shows temporary prices, fashions and availabilities (eg.: Better types of ancient coins from Bactria/Afghanistan had been comparatively rare and expensive 20 years ago).

Try to gain experience as much as possible to sustain your awareness what you really want. By experience you will find inspiration and treasures on the market.
Discover a plurality of sources for trustful informations and "material" and go down to the roots. Those who find the coins don´t need to add extra charges and in more or less UNSORTED uncleaned material you can discover hidden treasures. (I confess - this is hard for those living in the "new world" or with the uncleaned material offered in some online auctions.)

Avoid frustrations by fakes and too high prices. Buy only from trustworthy experienced sources.

Try to see more than the only the coins. History and cultural background can be the dominating focus and motivation to affect the direction of your collecting activities.

A.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I'm the opposite of Arminius; the more i dig into a particular area, the more interesting it gets. On the other hand, getting single mugshots of different emperors did bore me. If you go for what suits you and your pocket, buy carefully, and lean all you can, you'll soon find out what attracts you.

[Bill S]

... If you experienced folks had to do it again, what would you start collecting. I am just trying to narrow this down because I seem to be buying all over the map.

Well, at least some of us DO "have it to do again".  By that I mean that we can and do start in new directions as they inspire us.  Just because we chose one area of specialization in the past doesn't obligate us to restrict ourselves to that.

In my collection one theme does seem to dominate, but there's a pretty good scattering of "all over the map" coins as well.  If a coin really appeals to me, I'll enjoy it even if it isn't part of the dominant theme in my collection.  I collect because I enjoy the coins, not because I need to complete a set.  And I can't imagine having someone else choose for me what I should collect or be interested in.

[otlichnik]

There is soooo much to study and collect when it comes to Roman and other ancient coins that your opportunities for "new starts" are nearly unlimited.

You can easily go broad and detailed at the same time.  Just as an example I go in several directions:

- the cliche Emperors collection - I have found what I will find in uncleaneds this way and am gradually buying others at up to $50, won't get many that way but I don't care.  As some are impossible to get the perfect collection is not on.

- general interest in LRBCs - again I seek all common types.

- I am going for more comprehensive all mints/emperors for some key series - Fel Temp Reparatio Falling Hosemen, Gloria Exercitus, Reparatio Reipub - this allows me to looks for and buy cheaper coins and to have stuff to find in uncleaned lots.

- the appearance of several Roman Provincials from the "Holy Land" in uncleaned lots have opened up an interest in this vein.

- likewise I at least want to learn more about the Greek/Seleucid, Byzantine and Arab coins that come in "Holy Land" uncleaned lots.

I beleive that if I keep collecting in all these areas I will one day run into the situation where I have all the cheap options and have to consider larger purchases.  This will mean being "more serious" about fewer options but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

To me it seems that the question is much easier for those of us who collect uncleaneds.  In effect you collect what you get.  You can then buy individual attributed coins to fill your gaps.  If I only bought pre-attributed coins I would have to do more thiinking and more focussing.

Shawn

[larry c]

I think  Shawn  is absolutly right. In every batch of uncleaned there is always one coin that stands out and takes you in a new direction of study. and then collecting.
The purpose of education is not to make you a expert in one subject, but to broaden your horizons into new areas and continued learning.
LarryC

[Goodies]

Hi,

For me, ''completeness'' is an essential goal of collecting things. Also: budget. So I won't be able to buy all emperors. Luckily, Poppeia, Diadumenian and Tranquillina are affordabe on Roman provincial coinage !

Roman Provincial is also nice for specific series that can be made complete.. e.g. all emperor and empress portraits on these lovely Nicaea bronzes.. I love these..



in the past I've focused on other specific series, such as the AN-xxx Di-Assaria and Tetra-Assaria of Viminacium. Try get all the years...  this is AN XI Herennia Etruscilla.. quite a challenge this one..




Lx

[romeo]

i started by collecting republican coins, ended up with about 300 odd but then decided i wanted to know more history about my coins so switched to collecting augustus/ octavian, then get caught up in the relationship between him and agrippa, mark antony etc, which has led me into the flavian dynasty, what im getting at is that mine and probably most peoples collections evolve from time to time, what a great hooby!

[Brian L]

As others, I started collecting  whatever cought my eye,all over the map.
I soon realized I needed a focus and a pattern developed,
My previous primary hobby was working on genealogy, my family history.
I noticed my Romans were forming family groups,
Emperors and their dynasty, wives and children,grand children etc. are portrayed  on denarii.
I am active with the Severan Family, they have nice coins and relativly inexpensive
and learning about their families"dirty laundry" is almost voyeuristic.
I am also working on Constantine's family and the Flavian dynasty.

Good luck and enjoy the history

[Gaius Romanus]

If funds are limited, look for areas of coinage which have vey few people specialising in them, and little demand for the coins.

Any particular area you'd like to suggest, Bob?

Gaius

(first post: just joined today!) 

[Johnny]

Welcome to Forum Gaius ..

You've come to the right place,  This site is awsome,  and I know you'll enjoy it here.

LOL  I still don't have a set focus, although, I admit, I am still collecting Claudius II coins  but  since this is just a small area, and not my only area, I don't consider it a focus .

I considerd for a bit the 12 labors of Hercules,  but  these,  as I was told,  get pretty pricey real quick....

I also started collecting the gallienus zoo coin, as they are still affordable, and most are easy to find in VF+ condition,  some will prove a bit more difficult. but  they should be around ,  and pop up occasionally. (  I am keeping a watchful eye on forum's catalog  for both of these types )

besides that I have no real focus. I just keep going for nice coins with sand patina,  eye appeal,  and unusual reverses..
Someday,  I might find my niche as far as focus, but  for now,  just buying... 

I don't think not  having a focus as soon as you start collecting is a bad thing, is it  ??

or do I need help  ?


cheers

[aj]

After many years of fooling with various 'themes' I have decided to still kee fooling around with coin cleaning. First real lot I purchsed were brilliant and I guess I will be disappointed at some time in the future.

Each new one will be carefully conserved in a collection. Doubles will be properly conserved at sold off.

[Robert_Brenchley]

If funds are limited, look for areas of coinage which have vey few people specialising in them, and little demand for the coins.

Any particular area you'd like to suggest, Bob?

Gaius

(first post: just joined today!) 

Depends on your budget and what attracts you. I started with the mid 3rd Century, and the Constantines, because they were cheap. In time, I got less interested in the Constantines. More recently, I've concentrated more on the Levantine coinages, but I still collect 3rd Century.
Depends on your budget. I have limited funds, so I started with the mid-3rd Century and the Constantines. In time, I became less interested in the latter. Recently I've moved more into Levantine coinages, but I still collect 3rd Century.
[/quote]

[Gaius Romanus]

     Thanks, Johnny, and Bob. 

      Is "cleaning" of ancient coins something commonly done? Is it an acepted practice with collectors? 

       Gaius

[areich]

Depends on how well you clean them. Many people do it, few do it well.

Andreas

[Johnny]

Most of the coins in my gallery  ( i'd say  95 % )  are from uncleaned lots I bought.  Definately  not the best of cleaning jobs,  but  i am still learning  too

It is acceptable to clean coin,  but  as Andreas said,  you have to be good at it.  for this you need lots of patience,  and knowledge (  the knowledge  you can get from the uncleaned board here on forvm ) the patience is all up to you.  LOL  I still need a bit of both   

and a good quality coin to start with sure does help things too,.... a slug  is still a slug  even after it's cleaned.

if you do decide to go into the uncleaned coins,  check out the posts in the uncleaned section. there are tips and tricks there for any type of coin metal, patina and dirt,  and there is always someone there to help you out..

cheers