ancient rare coins

  1. What is the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt?

    What is the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt?

    Exploring Ancient Coinage and Majestic Rulers

    Introduction: What is the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt? This question unveils a fascinating chapter in history, delving into the reign of the Greek-descended Ptolemaic dynasty. In fact, the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt from 305 BC to 30 BC. Led by a line of remarkable rulers, this kingdom left an indelible mark on the ancient world. This article will explore the captivating coinage circulated during the Ptolemaic era. Additionally, it will feature iconic portraits, impressive sizes, and valuable precious metals.

    The Ptolemaic Coinage

    Ptolemaic Arsinoe II Octodrachm

    In the vast treasury of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, a diverse range of coins emerged. For example, each bearing the distinct imprint of its rulers. The coinage of the

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  2. Ancient Versus Modern Collectible Coins

    Ancient Versus Modern Collectible Coins

    For many coin collectors, ancient versus modern collectible coins can be disconcerting. The truth is both coin types have a fascinating insight into the history of currency. When looking at collectible coins, the rarest coins are a perfect addition to any collection. In addition, it is captivating to know the history behind a rare coin as well as its true worth.

    Here at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion, we understand the value of rare and ancient coins from different eras and countries. Let us know if you have concerns regarding the coins you already own. Just reach out to us. On the other hand, we can give help you find other rare ancient coins that fit your budget.

    Ancient Collectable Coins

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  3. Examining Various Rare Coins

    Starting to collect coins can be challenging when examining various rare coins. Whether you're interested in collecting a specific type of coin or not, you can explore a few different options. However, it's advisable to seek advice from a reputable dealer who specializes in all types of rare coins, such as Austin Rare Coins and Bullions.

    Examining Rare Coins

    Types of precious metals

    Types Of Metals

    Minters can use various types of metals to produce coins depending

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  4. How To Care For Rare Coins

    How To Care For Rare Coins

    People of various ages and backgrounds enjoy the pastime of coin collecting. To protect and preserve your rare collection is equally important to know how to care for rare coins. For some, it is a way to connect with history and an opportunity to build up a valuable collection of coins that they can pass down to future generations. For others, is here to help folks make a profit by buying and selling coins.

    Storage Is Crucial 

    The first step to caring for rare coins is to store them properly. It is important to keep rare coins away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can cause damage to the metal. Coins should also be stored away

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  5. Rare Coins vs. Bullion

    Rare Coins vs. Bullion

    When it comes to investing in precious metals, there are two main types of assets: rare coins (sometimes called “investment-grade coins”) and bullion. Rare Coins vs. Bullion is often the dilema. Which is right for you? Importantly, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of. This is important, even though both types are capable of helping you achieve your short-term and long-term investment goals.

    In today’s blog, the team at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion is here to help you understand the pros and cons of both rare coins and bullion. In short, to help you feel more confident about choosing the one that’s right for you. Above all, Austin Rare Coins & Bullion is your trusted source. They are there to help you secure your financial future through commodities or expand your collection of valuable metals.

     

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  6. Who Were The Thracians?

    Who Were The Thracians?

    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.

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  7. Thrace influenced by Greece?

    Thrace influenced by Greece?

    Was Thrace influenced by Greece & the Macedonian Empire? It is a fact, Thrace was conquered by Philip II, king of Macedonia. This occurred in the 4th century BC. Once Philip the II died Thrace became a part of the great kingdom of Alexander the Great. Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, who established independent kingdoms including Thrace.

     

    Lysimachus, who reigned from 323 to 281 BCE, was the general who succeeded Alexander as the ruler of Thrace. According to Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, Thrace was highly influenced by Greece and the Macedonian Empire's culture. But, were they?

    Yes, Thracian coinage gave homage to the once great leader of the Macedonian Empire. The Thracians under the leadership of Lysimachus used Alexander's portrait on the front of their coins. However, on the back

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  8. The Cruelest Roman Emperor

    The Cruelest Roman Emperor

    Roman Emperor Caligula is remembered as being the cruelest roman emperor. No one can say exactly why he was so cruel. Some speculate, that it was because he fell ill of syphilis 6 month into his reign. Whatever the reason, he never recovered mentally and became a ruthless leader.

     

    Caligula's cruelty lasted during his four-year reign from 37-41 AD. In fact, he became so ruthless that no one was safe, including his family. Some even refer to Caligula as the mad emperor. In short, his cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion was nothing short of the actions of an insane tyrant. For instance, he made his horse a member of the senate and slept with or killed every member of his own family.

    There are others who believe Caligula's excessive cruelty is exaggerated

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  9. The First International Currency

    The First International Currency

    The world’s first coins were minted in ancient Lydia. Lydia's King Croesus became the first ruler to separate gold from other metals. He issued the world's first pure gold and pure silver coins. The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, took up the idea of coinage upon defeating King Croesus in 547 B.C. However, it wasn't until Alexander the Great of the Macedonian Empire, who conquered the Persian Empire, that the first international currency evolved. In fact, some believe that Alexander was the father of the first international currency.

    Alexander ascended to the throne in 336 BC following the assassination of his father Philip II. He became king at the very young age of 20. In addition, Alexander adopted the Attic coinage standard. Unfortunately, Alexander spent his ruling years conducting lengthy military campaigns and really didn't get to enjoy his conquest much. He was always too busy conquering more lands throughout Western Asia and Egypt.

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  10. The command to have Jesus Christ crucified

    The command to have Jesus Christ crucified

    Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea from 26-36 AD under the Roman emperor Tiberius. He is one of the most infamous men in history because he gave the command to have Jesus Christ crucified.

    The New Testament describes Pontius Pilate as a wavering judge. It says that Pilate initially exonerated Jesus before bending to the will of the crowd, and condemning him to death. But non-Biblical sources paint a much darker picture of the Governor of Judea. His reign was corrupt and full of bribery. Although this was typical behavior for a Roman Ruler, Pilate was more ruthless than others as he also willfully defied the Jewish people's traditions.

     

    Pontius Pilate Bronze Prutah

     

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