The Most Popular Ancient Coins to Collect (And What They Cost)
If you’re new to ancient coins, the biggest mistake isn’t spending too much—it’s buying
the wrong type.
Some coins are popular for a reason. They’re widely collected, historically important, and
consistently available. These are the coins that thousands of collectors—including many
of our clients—start with.
Below are the most trusted and most popular types, along with realistic price ranges and
what makes each one worth owning.
1. Constantine Era Bronze Coins (c. 300–350 AD)
Typical Price: $25–$125
Availability: Extremely high
These are the most common ancient coins on the market—and that’s exactly why they’re
so important for beginners.
Coins from this period come from the reign of Constantine the Great, the emperor who
fundamentally changed the Roman world by embracing Christianity.
Roman bronze coins from the 3rd and 4th centuries are among the most widely
available ancient coins today , making them an ideal entry point.
Key names you’ll see:
Constantine the Great
Constantius II
Constantine II
Crispus
Why collectors love them:
They’re affordable, authentic, and tie directly to one of the most important turning points
in world history.
2. Roman Silver Denarii (1st–2nd Century AD)
Typical Price: $120–$400
Availability: High
The denarius was the backbone of the Roman economy for centuries and is still one of
the most collected coins today .
These coins come from the height of the Roman Empire—its strongest, most stable
period.
Key names you’ll see:
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
Why collectors love them:
Silver, beautifully struck, and tied to Rome at its absolute peak.
Market data supports this range—common denarii typically trade around $120–$300
depending on quality .
3. Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms (Eastern Roman World)
Typical Price: $100–$300
Availability: Moderate to high
These are large, impressive coins struck in cities like Antioch and used across the
eastern Roman provinces.
The tetradrachm was one of the most widely circulated large silver coins of the ancient
world .
Key names you’ll see:
Nero
Vespasian
Trajan
Hadrian
Why collectors love them:
They feel substantial in hand and connect directly to the eastern half of the Roman
Empire—often tied to early Christian-era regions.
4. Byzantine Coins (c. 500–1000 AD)
Typical Price: $35–$200
Availability: High
After Rome fell, the Byzantine Empire carried its legacy forward—and their coins reflect
that transition.
These coins often feature bold religious imagery, including some of the earliest
depictions of Christ.
Key names you’ll see:
Justinian I
Heraclius
Basil II
Why collectors love them:
They bridge ancient and medieval history—and remain surprisingly affordable given their
significance.
5. Sasanian & Parthian Silver Coins (Ancient Persia)
Typical Price: $60–$250
Availability: High
These coins represent Rome’s greatest rivals to the east—completely different in style,
culture, and design.
Key names you’ll see:
Mithradates II
Orodes II
Shapur I
Khosrow II
Why collectors love them:
They expand a collection beyond Rome while still staying affordable and widely available.
6. Greek Silver Coins (Drachms & Tetradrachms)
Typical Price: $150–$2000+
Availability: Moderate
Greek coinage is where ancient coin collecting becomes art.
Coins like the Athenian Owl or Alexander the Great tetradrachms are among the most
iconic in the hobby.
Key names you’ll see:
Alexander the Great
Athens (Owl tetradrachm)
Seleucid rulers
Examples of common Greek tetradrachms can often be found in the ~$175–$500 range
depending on condition .
Why collectors love them:
These are not just coins—they are some of the most artistic objects ever produced in antiquity.
7. Roman Bronze “Large Coins” (Sestertius & Antoninianus)
Typical Price: $40–$500+
Availability: High
Beyond small bronzes, many collectors move into larger Roman coins like sestertii or antoniniani.
These coins often feature detailed reverses and larger portraits.
Typical ranges:
Bronze coins: ~$20–$150
Antoninianus: ~$20–$150
Why collectors love them:
Bigger coins, more detail, and a stronger visual presence in a collection.
Final Thought: Start with What’s Proven
There are thousands of ancient coin types—but these categories have stood the test of time.
They are:
Widely collected
Historically meaningful
Consistently available
Safe for new collectors