Be it coins of Canada or ancient coins, coin collecting is a fun and potentially lucrative hobby or profession. But, while Canadian coins are plentiful and the most gorgeous to look at or own, that is often not the case with ancient coins. Ancient coins are often mistaken for being too difficult to understand, too expensive to collect and too rare. While that is true in some cases, the majority of pieces are actually quite common. Many are also less expensive than collectible modern coins. Learning the basics can be done easily, so keep reading.
Coinage History
While precious metals have long been used as a means for trading, coins didn’t make their first appearance until the 7th century B.C. It is said that the very first coins appeared in the Lydia region of Asia Minor. The first pieces were mere ingots of precious metal stamped by merchants indicating a certain weight or purity. After adopting such practice, coins were being produced for trade by the end of the 7th century B.C. across the cities of coastal Asia Minor and the islands in the area. Later, many other cities ended up developing their own unique devices on their coins as a badge of civic pride.
The Dangers of Buying Ancient Coins
It needs to be said that the vast majority of dealers on the market today are legitimate, and that the vast majority of ancient coins on the market today are authentic. Still, it is always wise to be careful and not be taken advantage of – even though this is more likely to happen when you’re less experienced and still new to the game. That said, there are several categories of fraudulent or fake coins you should be on the lookout for:
- Tooled coins that are genuine and authentic, but are “improved” by tooling
- Tourist fakes sold as authentic originals
- Modern fakes made to look like ancient pieces
- Fantasy coins – modern coins made to appear as ancient, but of a type never made
- Coins that are painted to add or enhance details or improve patina
- Misattributed (misidentified) coins
- Over-graded coins (pieces that are described as being nicer than they really are.)
The Proper Way to Shop For Them
When it comes to buying authentic ancient coins, the number one consideration is asking for advice from a reputable source. Among the various options available out there today, there are a number that are particularly convenient, practical and provide the necessary authenticity by default. These ways include:
- Online listings and fixed price shops
- Auctions
- Local coin shops that you know are reputable
- Coin shows
In Search of Hassle-Free, Authentic Ancient Coins? Head Down to Colonial Acres
The authenticity of the source from which you’re looking to buy ancient coins is probably the biggest consideration and a priority in the whole process. Colonial Acres Coins is home to not only the newest and latest coins of Canada available through pre-orders but a wide selection of ancient coins as well. Examples of the kind of ancient coins you’re able to find at Colonial Acres include the 2018 $20 Ancient Canada – Marrella Fine Silver Coin, the 337-350 AD Ancient Roman Empire Constans, the Ancient Rome 193-211 A.D. Septimius Severus Silver Denarius Very Fine, the Ancient Greece 300-200 B.C. Euboia Histiaia Tetrobol VF-EF and numerous other specimens. Head down to the experts at Colonial Acres today and source your ancient coins from a reputable premium dealer.