The 5 Best Ancient Coins for New Collectors
If you're just getting started, the goal isn't just affordability—it's buying correctly the first
time. These five categories are the same types we consistently recommend to new
collectors because they are authentic, available, and historically meaningful. They offer a
perfect mix of history, visual appeal, and market stability for building a collection with
confidence.
1. Constantine Era Bronze Coins (c. 300–350 AD)
Price Range: $25–$120
Availability: Extremely high
Why it matters: The era of Constantine marks one of the most important turning points
in history—the shift toward a Christian Roman Empire. These bronzes capture military
reforms and religious transitions during a pivotal time.
Notable figures: Constantine the Great, Constantius II, Constantine II, Crispus
Why it's a great start: Widely available from hoards like Seaton Down (22,000+ coins),
these bold 18-25mm pieces are the most approachable entry point into ancient coins
while connecting you directly to history's defining moments. NGC slabs ensure
authenticity at entry prices.
2. 2nd Century Roman Silver Denarii (Rome at Its Peak)
Price Range: $120–$300
Availability: High
Why it matters: The 2nd century represents the height of Roman power, stability, and
prosperity—think Pax Romana under the "Five Good Emperors." These silvers funded
legions and trade across the empire.
Notable figures: Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius
Why it's a great start: High-quality strikes with classic portraits and reverses like
Victory or Pax. Steady demand keeps values accessible; common VF examples trade
reliably, offering silver without rarity premiums.
3. Syro-Phoenician Billon Tetradrachms
Price Range: $100–$220
Availability: Moderate to high
Why it matters: Struck in major eastern cities like Antioch, these large silvers (25
28mm) circulated through regions tied to early Christianity and biblical history, imitating
Athenian owls with Roman provincial flair.
Notable figures: Nero, Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian
Why it's a great start: Substantial in hand with strong portraits—ideal upgrade from
bronzes. Levantine hoards ensure supply; they bridge Greco-Roman and Near Eastern
worlds beautifully.
4. Byzantine Coins (c. 500–1000 AD)
Price Range: $35–$150
Availability: High
Why it matters: The Byzantine Empire carried Roman tradition into the medieval world,
often featuring early Christian imagery like crosses or Christ portraits—key to
understanding post-Roman continuity.
Notable figures: Justinian I, Heraclius, Basil II
Why it's a great start: Distinctive designs (folles, solidi) with strong historical identity
remain undervalued. High mint output keeps them accessible for thematic expansion.
5. Sasanian & Parthian Silver Coins (Ancient Persia)
Price Range: $60–$175
Availability: High
Why it matters: These coins represent Rome's greatest eastern rivals, showcasing
Persian artistry like kings on horseback or fire altars—drachms debased to billon but
richly detailed.
Notable figures: Mithradates II, Orodes II, Shapur I, Khosrow II
Why it's a great start: Beautiful silvers expanding beyond Rome affordably. Iranian
hoards provide steady supply; dynamic portraits add cultural contrast to Roman sets.
These categories have introduced thousands of collectors to the hobby. Start here, and
you'll build with confidence—proven types that hold value and spark passion from day
one. Check Kinzer Coins for NGC stock.