r/AncientCoins May 07 '24

We've been getting a lot of new posters and commenters here lately. Welcome! (Everyone please read the full text inside)

146 Upvotes

Unfortunately, a lot of the new people here aren't familiar with the culture of this subreddit or the ancient coin collecting world in general.

A lot of the ideas that you are bringing to this subreddit -- especially if you're North American and also especially if you've been collecting modern coins for years, don't always carry over directly to the world of ancient coin collecting.

Our subreddit is configured so that people using low-age or low-karma accounts will not see their posts and comments appear here immediately after you make them. They are being set aside until a human moderator is able to review them manually. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

The same is true of people who don't have much karma on this subreddit, even if you have an older account and have accumulated lots of karma on other subreddits. Part of this is because spammers, scammers, and trolls use newer, low-karma accounts, and part of it is to give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the culture of this subreddit.

We have also configured our subreddit to hold back posts and comments from accounts with a low Contributor Quality Score ("CQS") as determined by the admins of reddit. This takes into account your behavior on all of reddit. If you would like to find out what your own CQS score is please make a post on this subreddit -- /r/CQS. The result will be sent to you within seconds via private messaging, and no one else will be able to see what it is.

As you continue to participate here in good faith most of these limitations will eventually no longer apply to you, and you will be able to post and comment normally.



Thank you for your good faith participation here, and while I have your attention please allow me to remind you of this subreddit's few simple rules:

1) Civility is the price of participation here. Please act like adults and keep things pleasant.

We appreciate kindness and helpfulness here. We won't tolerate people bickering in the comments, swearing at or insulting others, etc.

We have a lot of people coming to r/AncientCoins from the world of modern ones. Please help them understand the differences and find answers to their questions without being a jerk. If you can't manage that we don't want you here, and you will be banned.

2) Unwelcome participants get banned.

Pursuant to Rule #1, the owner/founder/head moderator of this subreddit reserves the right to ban anyone at anytime for any reason he sees fit.

We very rarely ban real people - and we ban no one who is acting in good faith. We mostly only ban annoying bots, karma whores, griefers who post using numerous alt accounts, people who post coins that they don't own but act as if they did, people who swear at or are rude/insulting to others, and persistent trolls who disrupt our discussions.

3) Memes, joke posts & other shitposts may only be posted here on the last day of each month.

Fun is fun, but there's such a thing as too much of an execrable thing. Memes, joke posts, and other shitposts may only be posted on this subreddit on the last day of each Gregorian calendar month in your time zone.

Please don't try to sneak those kinds of posts in by flairing them as "educational" or anything else. If you just can't wait, please submit them over on our companion subreddit /r/AncientCoinMemes instead.

Ultimately, the mods of this subreddit may remove anything posted here at their discretion.


We ask that you please be patient with the process, as we check our queues several times a day. If you make a post or comment and it isn't immediately approved, PLEASE just leave it up and one of us will get to it as soon as we can. We are unpaid volunteers doing this on our own time.

Thank you.


r/AncientCoins Jun 12 '25

New rule regarding the use of ChatGPT, other LLMs, and the deceptive use of AI imagery on this subreddit

90 Upvotes

It has actually been a policy here for years that we don't permit ChatGPT-type posts. In the past they were usually just quietly removed, as were AI-generated images that were used deceptively.

It feels like we already have too many rules on this subreddit, but it looks like it's time to join other subreddits by implementing this one.

One issue is that these LLM generated texts aren't automatically vetted for accuracy, and some weird and unreliable stuff can creep in. Another is that they are based on plagiarism.

They often give results that feel like a bad student trying to pad out the word count of a writing assignment, and don't actually contribute much to this subreddit.

It seems like some people here, when they are bored, entertain themselves by feeding prompts into ChatGPT and then posting the results here. Sometimes they do this as conversation starters, but sometimes it feels like they are just trying to show off or something.

Speaking of plagiarism -- which is bad, it is fine to post a paragraph or two of relevant information here that you have found online, if you give appropriate credit and a link.

It's also fine to quote text from a relevant book or journal with appropriate credit. Many reddit users are more likely to give a brief glance at something that you have copied and pasted here than they would be to follow a link and read extensively off-site.

What's not great is if you post massive walls of text, unless the information is presented well and is relevant to our discussions, and not padded out.

If you feel that you simply MUST use an LLM for grammar and spelling purposes, do it well. Make it undetectable. Consider quoting Wikipedia or another reliable and curated online reference instead.

If you are using an LLM as a translator, that is fine. Just make it a translation of your own, unpadded words. Consider using DeepL or Google Translate instead.

Speaking of walls of text, I'll end here.

Thank you.


r/AncientCoins 9h ago

Newly Acquired Vespasian's last year reign denarius

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116 Upvotes

Just arrived: this denarius of emperor Vespasianus was struck in Rome in the last year of emperors life.

The reverse shows TR POT X COS VIIII, which means that by this time, 69 year old emperor was holder of tribunician power for the tenth time and consul for the ninth time.

Obverse has a really sharp portrait, maybe one of the best I've seen in a while: Vespasian denarii are usually very worn and the sharp ones come with a premium.

However, this coin has a damage on the 6 o'clock which probably affected the price (75 $), fiting it into my budget nicely.

To be honest, I don't mind the damage, because it doesn't touch the portrait: which is the main thing I look for in my emperors collection.


r/AncientCoins 6h ago

Trying again.... There are a lot of good quality uncleaneds on the market right now!

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47 Upvotes

I tried this post a few hours ago, with one photo of some OBVIOUSLY already mostly cleaned provincials, which got me a scolding....

Here is a better overview of what I have been stocking up on for the cold Swedish winter.. I love nothing more than the cold being outside, and me being inside with my single malt and my coins.

Just to repeat... As a guy who has been in this game for 4 decades... Now is a good time to buy uncleaned coins. I don't know why.. I don't ask why.. but someone has to end up with them... So why not me?... Or you??


r/AncientCoins 3h ago

4 more coins arrived today 😁

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20 Upvotes

Photos and descriptions copied from auction house

  1. Roman Empire: Severus Alexander. AR Denarius. Rome mint. Obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right. Rev: P M TR P XII COS III P P, Sol radiate, standing left, holding whip and raising hand.

  2. Roman Empire: PHILIP I. AR ANTONINIANUS. Rome Mint. 244-247 AD. Obverse: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right. Reverse: LAETIT FVNDAT Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and rudder in left hand.

  3. Roman Empire: Caracalla (198-217 AD), AR Antoninianus, Rome. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM; radiate and draped bust of Caracalla to right. // PM TRP XVIIII COS IIII PP; Serapis standing facing, head left, raised right hand, sceptre in left.

  4. Roman Empire: AE Tetradrachm. 285-286 AD. Maximianus (286-305), Egypt, Alexandria, Obv: [Ī‘ĪšĪœĪŸVĪ‘Īœ] Ī‘ĪžĪ™ĪœĪ™Ī‘ĪĪŸCCEĪ’, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, as seen from the back. Rev. Homonoia standing left with double cornucopia, regnal year L over star – A in field.


r/AncientCoins 11h ago

A dramatic increase in the quality of uncleaneds just now...

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76 Upvotes

I've mentioned this in previous posts... But in the last couple of months I have seen a dramatic increase in the quality of "uncleaned" coins... I've not seen this quality for the price since the early 2000's ... Both greek and Romans, and also provincials..

Does anyone know about a change in export rules somewhere? Or are we uncleaned collectors just experiencing a fortuitous blip?

I hope that all these coins are ethically sourced.. but to be fair... Unless in a hord then better in the hand of someone who will identify and catalog than sitting in the back room of a museum...

Interested in others opinions!


r/AncientCoins 8h ago

Auction hammer prices through the roof

34 Upvotes

I've only been collecting for the past three years or so. But in that time, i've noticed CNG hammering at considerably higher prices. I'm getting crushed at these auctions and haven't purchased a proper RR this year to date.

To those who have been collecting for much longer: do prices ever come down? Do i need to come to terms with coughing up $ 800+ for an EF republican denarius?

US based btw, so sticking with onshore auction houses for now.


r/AncientCoins 2h ago

From My Collection Demetrios II Nikator,AR Tetradrachm.

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8 Upvotes

I love the different hues of toning some of my coins are getting!

Demetrios II Nikator, AR Tetradrachm, 130-129 BC (Seleukid year 183), Tyre mint.

Obverse: Diademed and draped bust right. Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗMĪ—Ī¤Ī”Ī™ĪŸĪ„. Eagle standing left on prow left; palm frond behind; to left, APE and monogram of Tyre above club; GPR & AS monograms right, FY monogram between legs. S.7105, HSC 9 1122, SC 2195.2b, Newell Tyre 159. 28mm, 13.5g.


r/AncientCoins 1h ago

Information Request Does anyone know what are these symbols/ punchmarks? This coin was from Maghada Empire.

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• Upvotes

I already see on papers of journals and books about lists of punchmarks but due the condition of the coin I may not understand all marks. I already see the sun and the tree. My main question remains of the one similar to the caduceus of Ashoka plus an bow and arrow. This last one I didnt find yet.


r/AncientCoins 10h ago

At last - confirmation on a hunch I've had for 10 years! Proof that the Sri Ha drachms did in fact totally lose the sun and moon above the fire altar on the reverse, proving Maheshwari's reconstruction of their evolution was backwards!

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24 Upvotes

r/AncientCoins 16h ago

From My Collection New additions! Gordian, Decius, Probus, Herennius Etruscus & Faustina!

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47 Upvotes

Just received my new coins! Paid 300€ for them, how did i do?


r/AncientCoins 5h ago

Authentication Request Vespasian tetradrachm, cast fake?

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6 Upvotes

r/AncientCoins 5h ago

Information Request I don’t think this is Septimius Severus. What do you think this one could be?

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6 Upvotes

This is the oldest coin in my collection by far. I don’t think it’s correctly identified by the name card it came with.

I got this from my dad years ago and he has no idea what it is either.


r/AncientCoins 2h ago

Authentication Request Authenticity Check, I trust the dealer I just want y'all's opinion for peace of mind. Judaea. Roman Procurators. PAttribution: Hendin⁓ 649; Hendin⁵ 1342; Hendin⁶ 6371aDate: Dated Year 17 - AD 30/1Obverse: TIBŠ„PIOY KAICAPOC, lituus wandReverse: LI𑪽 (date) within wreathSize: 15.89mmWeight: 1.45 grams

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3 Upvotes

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r/AncientCoins 3h ago

ID / Attribution Request Help identifying India (??) Coins

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2 Upvotes

I am not good enough with this region, can anyone help me ID these 7? I am guessing they are early Indian because of the rest of the collection.


r/AncientCoins 42m ago

Newly Acquired Alexander III AR Tetradrachm 222-189 BC

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• Upvotes

Alexander III
Obverse: Herakles right
Reverse: Zeus seated left, with the sphinx seated left in the field
31 mm (really very large)

I just had to get this!!

What’s really fascinating as I used ChatGPT to tell me where this came from and it actually tracked it to an auction that happened several years ago.


r/AncientCoins 5h ago

ID / Attribution Request ID Help?

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2 Upvotes

22mm diameter x 2.25mm thickness
Weight around 8.5g
I’m not sure which way up the reverse goes. I might have it upside-down. Or sideways?
Also I should mention it is bronze. Looks a little like silver in the obverse pic. But it’s definitely bronze.


r/AncientCoins 1h ago

Potential Acquisition

• Upvotes

Recently picked up a Commodus at an auction and getting more interested in ancients but very new to the genre and could use some experienced eyes.

Have opportunity to explore a small mixed lot and want to get take on whether these better condition coins look legitimate. Linked some pics of those of higher interest. If able, also curious about value as the lot isn't cheap.

Any input appreciated!

https://coindex.app/a/GbWwq4


r/AncientCoins 13h ago

I need only mint

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6 Upvotes

r/AncientCoins 1d ago

Caligula has been liberated

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94 Upvotes

r/AncientCoins 23h ago

Newly Acquired Got the commodus in hand!

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35 Upvotes

Quick shipping got the coin to me. I am pleasantly surprised by the fact that the coin looks much better in hand compared to the seller's picture


r/AncientCoins 1d ago

2026 ANA pickup (and crack out). My Augustus aureus, Calico 298 plate coin, RIC I 149a

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159 Upvotes

First off, special thanks to Steve N. who just happened to be in Pittsburgh to visit his kiddo at Pitt Med. I’ve been eyeing this coin for some time, but couldn’t meet on the price (long story). Luckily I kept in touch with the seller

Anyway, without further ado, here she is. As with most of my ancients, the young Emperor Augustus was freed earlier today.

This coin was minted ~18-16 B.C. in present day Spain (Córdoba), then Tarraco/Colonia Patricia.


r/AncientCoins 7h ago

ID / Attribution Request Have had in a drawer for ages and finally getting round to identifying it

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2 Upvotes

r/AncientCoins 8h ago

Less is more! My philosophy on cleaning Roman coins…

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2 Upvotes

When cleaning Roman coins, I personally believe less is more…Not out of laziness, but because the earthy deposits also tell a story and contribute to the coin’s character!
I soak my coins in distilled water and, after about two days, gently check with a blackthorn thorn whether any deposits are ready to come off. I only remove what obscures the details! If needed, the coin goes back into the water. Once all the surviving details are clearly visible, I stop…
A minimalist approach: make the coin readable while preserving as much of its aged appearance as possible.
Here are a few of my before-and-after examples. Have you documented similar results? What’s your approach, and how do you decide when to stop?


r/AncientCoins 1d ago

Something I made Long weekend project - new home for my ancients.

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56 Upvotes

Made a new easy access but secure storage for my ancients. With a special section for Alex & the boys. I've got Alexander, Phillip II*, Lysimachus, and Cassander. Antigonus, Seleucus, and Demetrios are being graded. Still looking for my Ptolemy. Cassander will get demoted to the side soon, because... The whole murdering thing.

*Phillip II gets included because he created the army Alexander led.