From stone ledgers to digital tokens, it's simply amazing how far we've come!
I recently discovered the fascinating world of ancient coin collecting and was pleasantly surprised. Like most people, I'd always thought ancient coins only existed in museums and the private collections of the uber-rich. It never crossed my mind that you could actually collect them for yourself on a very modest budget. Of course, extremely beautiful pieces and coins minted by famous historical figures (such as the coins of Julius Caesar) can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, but there is honestly a coin out there to suit every budget.
I bought these coins with some of my profits from the last leg up in ETHBTC:
(Photo by forumancientcoins.com)
They are copper coins from the Byzantine Empire 498 - 900 AD, so technically they are medieval coins rather than ancient. The coins are unattributed, which means the seller hasn't gone through and identified what each coin is, which ruler minted it, where it was minted etc. This is why I was attracted to this bulk lot: I really wanted to have that experience of not just holding a little piece of history, but researching each coin and trying to work out the story behind each of them.
They have finally arrived in Australia from America and I should have my hands on them any day now ... I can't wait!
Might just be the nerd in me, but I find it delightfully ironic: purchasing ancient copper coinage using fiat profits derived from speculating on the future of magic internet money!
If anyone here's wants to know more about ancient coin collecting, check out Forvm Ancient Coins. They have a numiswiki with all the info you need to get started, as well as a shop and some other cool stuff. They guarantee the legitimacy of all the coins in their shop too - until you're experienced enough to spot a fake, it's safest to stick with reputable, established dealers like Forvm.
Also if there are already some collectors around on Steemit, please make your self known and post pics of your favourite coins!
When i have travveled to medieval/ancient sightseeing in morocco i have come over some extraordinary gold dinars And silver coins from the roman empire And some middel eastern ones, And i must agree IT is a Delight to begin with a Colin And then to so the research of dynasti, rulers and political events that might have put that coin in this place.
Pls do give us a summary when you find out more about each one!
Hi Brakan, yes I'd really like to start collecting silver and gold coins! You can get silver coins very cheap, some of them are the same price as a nice copper. This is my favourite silver roman coin, I'd love to buy one, but very expensive for a silver coin:
(http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/numismatics/entry/the_elephant_denarius/)
It was minted by Caesar's men from a traveling army mint when they crossed the Pontar to take Rome from Pompey. The elephant represents Caesar and is pictured trampling a snake (His former friend Pompey).
My coins won't be half as interesting as that, but I'll be sure to post again once they've arrived and I've managed to attribute them!
Thats a coin with alot of personality thx for sharing! I can't wait to see yours, even if the stories shouldn't be as grandiose :p
This post received a 10% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @lpfaust! For more information, click here!
Thanks so much @lpfaust and thank you @randomwhale! What innovative use of an innovative platform
I have a small collection too... Also modern currency of interest. It is a fantastic feeling to hold a piece of history in your hand which is also a store of value into the future.
Share a photo of some of your favourites when you get a chance
Always did love the different coins, notes and financial instruments whenever I would hit some of the museums . Much like @brakan, I am curious about the history and the political events of the period which inspired the minting of the coins.
Curious if you have either read or seen the book and Youtube seriers of Niall Ferguson titled The Ascent of Money. It's a very deep look into the history of money and banks. It's incredibly awesome. The Youtube series starts with him holding the first know bearer bond in history from ancient Egypt.
Great piece. Thought I'd spring for a @randowhale upvote as well on this.
Did not know of this YouTube series thx a lot! Now I know what to watch after work tonight!
I thanked you up above, but will do so again - thanks mate, much appreciated. I read Ascent Of Money a few years ago and really enjoyed, but never got around to seeing the series, I forgot it existed. Glad you reminded me, will have to check it out!
It is an easy way to see History. Thank you for the post!
No worries, thanks for taking time to read and comment!
Hi! Have you heard about @krwhale? It is similiar with @randowhale. For your information please click on.