How to Collect Roman Coins

Roman coins are a reflection of history.

Collecting Roman coins is a study of history. You will find coins from the ancient Romans fall into four basic categories, Republican, late Republican, early Imperial and late Imperial, each series distinctive in its own way. Some coins have faces of the emperor of the time, some have the Roman gods. Regardless of your reason for becoming a Roman coin collector, you will find this hobby requires patience, skill and a keen eye.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Dish soap
• Soft brush
• Toothpicks
• Dental picks
• Magnifying glass
• Storage case

Instructions

Budget

1. Create a budget with a set amount of money to spend on your collection. Budgeting will be a big part of developing your Roman coin collection.

2. Study the availability of Roman coins at different price levels. Coin expert Warren Esty states a coin's value depends on a number of factors, including issuing authority, denomination and condition.

3. Divide your budget to allow for some quality coins as well as coin lots. Uncleaned coins sell in larger lots and cheaply. There might be real gems in the grouping and these lots will add bulk to your collection. It is worth buying coins at all levels to expand the variety.

Start Collecting

1. Go online and find out what interests you in order to direct your collection. Collecting Roman coins is collecting a piece of history. What historical era or emperors interest you? Use Internet sites to learn about the history behind the Roman coins, such as UNRV (see Resources).

2. Collect books on Roman coins. Coin collecting is a popular art. Many experts have written extensively on the subject. Collecting books about Roman coins not only expands your knowledge but also gives you a reference when you are ready to buy. Coin expert Doug Smith recommends some titles such as "Ancient Coin Collecting II, the Roman World-Politics and Propaganda" by Wayne Sayles or "Coinage and History of the Roman Empire" by David L.Vagi.

3. Join newsgroups and organizations dedicated to ancient coin collections and Roman coins. These organizations will provide a wealth on research material as well as some buying sources. General coin collector's forums and other groups will give you information on storage and care.

4. Start shopping. Once you have done the research, it is time to start buying coins for your collection. Commercial websites dedicated to ancient coins offer coins in lots or individually. Check out garage sale and pawnshops. Part of the fun of collecting is in the search.

Maintenance

1. Purchase supplies needed to clean and store your coins. Stay away from acids and harsh brushes. Most coins will clean well with dish soap and water to clean the soiling off the surface.

2. Use tools for detailing, such as toothpicks or dental picks to remove embedded dirt.

3. Invest in a good magnifying glass. This will help your see the detail of the coin to clean the small surfaces.

4. Set up a storage system for your coins. This might include a coin display case or velvet lined box.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not store cleaned coins until they have dried thoroughly.

References

• eBay Guides: How to clean Uncleaned Coins
• Warren Esty: Ancient Roman and Greek Coins
• Doug Smith: Ancient Coin Books
• Roman Coins: Introduction to Roman Coins and Brief history of Roman Coins

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Doug Smith: Ancient Greek & Roman Coins
• Eight Hundred Years of Roman Coinage
• Roman History