Collection

How do I start ancient coin collecting?

I'd like to start coin collecting, since I've sorta started "by accident". How is the best way to collect some inexpensive ancient coins? Anyone out there got any suggestions for a newbie? :)

Public Comments

1. Ebay
2. I've bought ancient coins on ebay and all the really cheap ones aren't worth getting because they are in such poor shape that you can't uniquely identify them. I think that www.fsrcoin.com is a much better place to buy relatively inexpensive decent stuff.
3. unless you have a reliable time machine... ancient dynasty coins from china are relatively inexpensive and pretty nice looking as artworks you may not want to purchase coins on eBay due to counter fitting your better off using a reputable dealer
4. I've been collecting ancients for about 2 years now. I mostly buy "crusties" (uncleaned coins that I soak in distilled water and clean up myself). These are inexpensive, but you never know what you will get. I avoid e-bay unless I know the seller. ANY EBAY SELLER ADVERTISING "GOLD COINS FOUND" IS A FRAUD. There are several reputable dealers, among them Noble Roman Coins, that I deal with regularly. Also, "Buy the book before you buy the coin" is very good advice. Might I suggest "The Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins" by David Van Meter as a great first book. Usually around $30 on e-bay. Lots of pictures, lots of history, and lots of attribution. Another suggestion, ww.nobleromancoins.com has a free DVD download on "The Art of Cleaning Ancient Coins". Also, there are many good ancient coin groups on Yahoo. Join a couple and "lurk" for a while. I guarantee this "addiction" (intense hobby) is fun and enjoyable. Good Luck!! Dennis Skea
5. FIRST OF ALL TRY TO VISIT A MUSEUM WHERE COINS MAY BE THERE. SEE THEM WITH A LOT OF CONCENTRATION. YOU WOULD GET THE FIRST HAND INFORMATION HOW THOSE ANCIENT COINS ARE LOOKS A LIKE AND HOW HISTORICAL THEY ARE! THEN VISIT YOUR NANNY , GRANDMOTHER, OLD PERSONS OF YOUR RELATIONS , YOUR FRIENDS SO THAT YOU CAN REQUEST THEM TO LET YOU SEE THE COINS IF THEY HAVE ANY. IF THEY ARE WILLING TO SALE YOU , YOU SHOULD PURCHASE THEM OR GET AS GIFT. THEN VISIT SHOPS OF UTENSILS WHO EVEN PURCHASE OLD COINS AT THE RATE OF OLD COPPER OF SILVER WHICH USED TO BE AT MEAGER AMOUNT. THEN VISIT HISTORICAL PLACES WHERE CERTAINLY SOME VENDORS MAY BE THERE WHO KEEP COINS TO SELL THEM TO VISITORS AND TOURISTS. MAKE GOOD FRIENDS WITH THE SAME HOBBY LIKE ME WHO CAN EXCHANGE THEIR COINS . IN MY OPINION WITHIN TWO THREE YEARS YOU WOULD BE THE OWNER OF AT LEAST 100 RARE COINS.