Austin Rare Coins Blog

The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar of 1794

The year 1794 marked a milestone for the young United States. Additionally, the country was taking its first steps towards a national identity, not only politically but economically. Central to this endeavor was establishing a stable currency, a crucial aspect of independence. One coin stood out: the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar of 1794. This coin was the first silver dollar from the U.S. Mint and symbolized the nation’s early efforts in currency design.

Why the U.S. Needed Its Own Currency

After gaining independence from Britain, the United States struggled with currency instability. At the time, coins from various foreign nations circulated widely, creating confusion a

The Twelve Caesars: The Lives of Rome's First Emperors

The Twelve Caesars, immortalized by the historian Suetonius, ruled Rome through times of greatness and decline. Their stories give us a glimpse into the power, intrigue, and corruption that shaped the Roman Empire. From Julius Caesar's assassination to the fall of Domitian, each ruler played a pivotal role in shaping Roman history.

Julius Caesar: The Turning Point of the Republic

Julius Caesar was

Ptolemy III: The Ambitious Pharaoh of Egypt

Ptolemy III of Egypt, also known as Ptolemy Euergetes, ruled Egypt from 246 to 222 BCE. As the third ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, he significantly expanded Egypt's territory and strengthened its economy. Ptolemy III’s reign marked a period of prosperity and military success, leaving a lasting legacy in ancient Egyptian history.

Early Life and Ascension

Ptolemy III was born into royalty as the son of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Queen Arsinoe I. Groomed from birth to assume leadership, he was well-versed in statecraft, military strategy, and diplomacy. Ptolemy III took the throne when his father passed away in 246 BCE. H

Early Life and the Division of the Empire

Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, was one of the most influential figures in ancient history. His rise to power reshaped the region, and his leadership laid the foundation for a powerful Macedonian state. This blog will explore how he came to power, his key accomplishments, the challenges Macedonia faced during his reign, what eventually happened to him, and how he is remembered today.

How Philip II Came to Power

Born in 382 BC, Philip II was the youngest son of King Amyntas III. Political chaos shaped his early life as Macedonia faced external threats and internal instability. After the death of his brother, King

A Brief History

The introduction of Platinum American Eagles marked a significant moment in numismatic history. Before their release, platinum coins were not widely available in the United States. The U.S. Mint recognized the growing demand for platinum and decided to produce these exceptional coins. Consequently, collectors and investors had a new avenue to diversify their portfolios.

Design and Craftsmanship

The design of the Platinum American Eagles sets them apart from other coins. The obverse features a striking portrayal of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom and opportunity. Meanwhile, the reverse showcases a majestic eagle in flight, representing

Coming to Power

Perseus of Macedon rose to power during a turbulent era and became the last king of Macedon. Born around 212 BC, he was the eldest son of Philip V. Macedon. Under Philip's rule, he faced continuous pressure and conflict from Rome, which sought to expand its influence in the region. Despite the challenges, Perseus was groomed for leadership from a young age, learning the arts of war and governance.

Philip V had initially favored Perseus's younger brother, Demetrius, due to his diplomatic ties with Rome. Demetrius was sent to Rome as a hostage in 197 BC and developed favorable relations with the Romans. This caused tension between the brothers, as Roman influence was increasingly viewed with suspicion by the Macedonian court. Perseus, wary of Rome’s intentions and protective of Macedonian sovereignty, saw his brother as both a political and personal t

The historic 1715 Fleet Shipwreck holds legendary status among maritime disasters. This catastrophe occurred on the eastern coast of Florida on July 31, 1715, when Spanish ships laden with treasure met their end.

The Fleet's Departure

The Spanish fleet set sail from Havana, Cuba, aiming to return to Spain. Altogether, the ships carried a vast fortune of gold, silver, and precious gems. In fact, the treasure's estimated worth was millions of pesos, and the ships formed a crucial part of Spain's colonial wealth.

The Storm That Changed History

A violent hurricane struck the fleet off the coast of Florida without warning. The ships struggled against fierce winds and waves, but the fleet

Introduction

The SS Central America, also known as the "Ship of Gold," sank in 1857. The shipwreck carried massive gold lost during the California Gold Rush. Additionally, large Kellogg & Humbert gold ingots were among the treasures recovered. Obviously, these large gold bars were so big that they would cost over a half-million dollars based on the gold content alone. Therefore, the remarkable gold bar faceplate weighing 17 ounces was cut off to be more affordable. The original gold bar, produced by Kellogg and Humbert, weighed over 239 ounces.

The SS Central America Shipwreck

The SS Central America sank in a hurricane off the coast of the Carolinas. The ship was en route from Panama to New

The enigmatic $3 Indian Princess coin, minted by the United States from 1854 to 1889, is a numismatic gem. Especially because of its rarity and beauty and the fascinating story behind its creation and circulation. Chiefly, the coin itself is a piece of art. At the same time, the tale of its inception embodies a deeper understanding of its significance in American history.

The Economic Context: A Nation in Flux

The mid-19th century was a period of significant economic and territorial expansion for the United States. Moreover, the discovery of gold in California in 1848 set off the Gold Rush. Basically, the increase in gold flooded the economy with gold and prompted new considerations for coinage. During this time, the U.S. government

Early Life and the Division of the Empire

Who was Galla Placidia? Galla Placidia, born around AD 388, was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I and his second wife, Galla. Her early years were shaped by a rapidly changing Roman Empire. Specifically, after her father's death in AD 395, the empire split into Eastern and Western regions. This division set the stage for the political upheaval and power struggles that would become a constant in her life

Galla Placidia's upbringing within the Roman court afforded her a unique vantage point to observe and understand the inner workings of imperial politics. As power struggles intensified, she quickly learned the intricacies of alliances, betrayals, and strategic marriages. Despite the turbulence surrounding her, Galla Placidia cultivated strong relationships with influential