Consider Collecting Ancient Coins

Most coin collectors are only interested in modern coinage that was issued within the last few centuries. However, ancient coins are also accessible and contrary to popular belief, can be quite affordable. Just because a coin is ten times older doesn’t mean that it's going to cost ten times as much. If you’re a coin collector, history buff, or are looking for a way to diversify your investments, you might want to consider collecting ancient coins. 

 

At Austin Rare Coins and Bullion, we offer a large selection of modern and ancient coins that are priced competitively and backed by over 30 years of experience in the industry. To learn more about investing in coins and precious metals, please give us a call and we would be happy to help.

 

 

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History of Coins

Coins have been used all over the world for thousands of years. In fact, it’s estimated that the earliest coins date back to around 600 BC. Even though they lacked the modern-day machinery we have now, ancient civilizations created some of the most intricate and beautiful coinage designs ever seen. Although gold and silver coins are most prevalent, the first coins were actually made of another substance — electrum. Electrum is a gold alloy that also contains at least 20 percent silver as well as other elements such as copper, iron, and palladium.

 

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Why Collect Ancient Coins

Up until just recently, many collectors shied away from investing in ancient coins either because of the lack of accessible information about them or because they rarely come with guarantees of authenticity. For some people, just assumed that the ancient coin market was out of their league and that owning any would be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, as technology and standardized systems of grading have developed, the market for buying and selling ancient coins has become more accessible for those looking to own a piece of history. In fact, ancient coins can be quite inexpensive compared to many of the other high-demand coins on the market. This makes it easy for collectors to access a historical treasure that will provide them with long-term value.

 

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Types of Ancient Coins

Ancient coins are usually categorized by either a chronological timeline or by historic areas of interest. For instance, the first known coins are classified as electrum coins because that is what they were made of. They are also considered to be from the Archaic Period which lasted from 650 to 480 BC.
The Classic Period was next, spanning a time from 500 to almost 300 BC. During this time when Alexander the Great ruled, some of the most well-known coins of the ancient world were created.

There are far more types of coins of the ancient world than can be described in a few sentences. Learning about them is one of the reasons why many people are drawn to collecting them. Some other popular types of ancient coins to consider include those from the Greek Empire, Roman Empire, and Egyptian Empire. If you’re interested in purchasing coins from any of these eras, visit Austin Rare Coins & Bullion.

 

 

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How To Purchase Ancient Coins

Compared to the modern coin market, the ancient coin market is considerably much smaller — but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still a large variety to choose from. Many collectors will focus on building a collection from a particular era or civilization. Others choose coins based on design and appeal from an art appreciation perspective. There’s no wrong way to get started with ancient coins. Just be sure to find a reputable party to purchase from and ensure the coins you buy have been evaluated by a respected third-party appraiser.

 

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Collecting Ancient Coins Conclusion 

If you’re looking to get into the fascinating world of ancient coin collecting, we invite you to take a look at our assortment at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion. We’ve been in business for over 30 years and are one of the most trusted dealers of rare coins and precious metals. Call us today at 1-800-928-6468