Ancient Roman Coins

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

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

Introduction: A Guide to Building Your Unique Treasure

In the world of rare coin collecting, enthusiasts are captivated by history and welcome tips on collecting rare coins. Museums, such as the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, showcase extraordinary collections. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and the British Museum contribute to our appreciation of rare coins, emphasizing their historical significance.

The allure of rare coins extends beyond museum walls. Auction houses and private collectors frequently make these numismatic treasures available for sale. Rare coin collecting is not just a cultural and historical journey; it's also an opportunity for financial gain. Rare collections, featuring sought-after coins, can

Historical Tapestry of Coins from the Bible

The ancient and medieval coins associated with the Bible carry within them not just the weight of currency but the echoes of historical epochs. As we delve into the numismatic treasured Coins of the Bible, we unravel a rich tapestry. Especially, of civilizations, empires, and religious shifts that have left an indelible mark on these tiny metallic artifacts.

I. Shaping the Cultural and Religious Landscape

In history's annals, few figures are as enigmatic and influential as Roman Emperor Tiberius. Roman Emperor Tiberius's Legacy from AD 14 to 37 signified a vital era in the Roman Empire. Additionally, it was characterized by intricate politics, imperial ambitions, and a transformative period for Roman coinage.

Tiberius's path to the throne faced considerable challenges. He spent his early years as a soldier, gaining valuable military experience across Roman provinces. Unquestionably, his success in quelling revolts and vital roles in the Roman military paved his way to leadership.

Tiberius: The Man and the Emperor

In AD 4, Tiberius was recalled to Rome and named co-regent with Augustus. As a result of Augustus's AD 14 demise, Tiberius ascended the imperial throne. Consequently,

During the time when Jesus Christ was in Rome, the Roman Empire was under the rule of Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius issued a Tribute Penny during his reign. In fact, the Tribute Penny has become significant not just in Roman history, but in religious history as well.

The Tribute Penny was a silver coin that was used to pay the annual tribute imposed on the Jews by the Romans. It featured an image of Tiberius on the obverse side, and the inscription "Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti Filius Augustus." Moreover, this translates to "Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus." On the reverse side is a seated female figure, commonly believed to be the goddess Pax, the personification of peace in Roman mythology. However, some historians believe that the seated female figure is a depiction of Tiberius' mother, Livia Drusilla. This is a subject of debate among scholars,

Emperor Vitellius' lavish lifestyle was known throughout the Roman Empire. He was the Roman Emperor for only 8 short months from 69 AD to his death in 79 AD. In fact, he is known as the shortest-reigning emperor of the Roman Empire.

Emperor Aulus Vitellius was born in AD 15 and came from a wealthy family in northern Italy. After the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors, he was crowned emperor. Moreover, his reign was marked by conflict and unrest. Emperor Vitellius was eventually defeated by the forces of Vespasian, who became the next emperor. Vitellius' rule is often considered a low point in the history of the Roman Empire and is known for its excess and lack of stability.

Gambling and gluttony, two vices associated with Vitellius, would be crucial to his future. Emperor Galba made the unpopular choice to designate him as governor of Lower Germany in 68

Rome and Carthage engaged in three Punic wars. Punic, a late variety of Phoenician, is a language that is used to refer to Carthage or the Carthaginians. Hannibal's route across the alps during the second Punic war is probably the most remembered. But, for a long time, these two major powers in the western Mediterranean fought for supremacy. In fact, huge losses on both sides occurred.

The Mediterranean island of Sicily and its surrounding waters served as the primary theater of the First Punic War, which took place over a 23-year period (264–241 BC). Meanwhile, they also fought in North Africa. After such a prolonged struggle the first Punic war ended in a loss for Carthage. However, Carthaginians were still itching to fight the Romans. Carthage suffered extensive economic losses in Sicily. They, therefore, had to come up with a plan to strengthen its faltering economy.

When talking about groups of people in ancient times some people wonder "who were the Thracians?" It is curious that many don't know much about them even though they were an Indo-European people who dominated a large area of Eastern Europe. They inhabited what today is modern day Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. In fact, they occupied this area for much of antiquity.

We can find some of the earliest literary references of the Thracians from the Iliad. The epic poem of Homer referenced the Trojan War and King Rhesus who was a local Thracian ruler. The problem about Thracians is that they were divided between multiple tribes. They all had their own tribal identity and basically did things differently. Interestingly, The Thracians did not describe themselves by name. The term Thrace and Thracians were names given to them by the Greeks.