Page 7 - Ancient Coins

A gold coin of ancient Rome

What is a Gold Aureus? The Julius Caesar Gold Aureus was a gold coin of ancient Rome originally valued at 25 pure Silver Denarii. From the 1st century BC to the beginning of the 4th century AD the aureus was commonly struck. It later was replaced by the Solidus. This gold Aureus was struck Caesar during the Roman Republican period under Julius Caesar by Praetor A. Hirtius.

The aureus was heavier than the same size denarius because gold is more dense than silver. Before Julius Caesar became emperor of Rome the gold aureus wasn't very common. It was Caesar's extravagant spending and trying to gain favor with the social elitist that

Ancient coins are beautiful, miniature works of art, and true antiquities. In order to understand how much is a Roman aureus worth, you have to understand that ancient coins are amazingly rare. There is a very limited supply and a growing demand from investors and collectors.

You don't need a fortune to acquire a truly rare and beautiful ancient coin. There are many different types. But, In order to really understand a Roman Aureus' worth you have to know how rare it is. You also have to know what the condition it is in. And, you have to know how many people want to own it.

The 3 basic principles the affect cost of ancient coins

The rarity of a coin is basically determined by these three different principles: 1) How many of a particular coin survived and are still in existence. 2) Whether

What Ancient Roman coins were made of silver is a question we frequently get. This NGC Certified Roman coin minted by Emperor Otho for instance, is a great example, and it is a beautiful coin. Finding a Silver Denarius in Choice Extremely Fine Condition with 3.54 grams of silver is not an easy task.

On the front of this Otho Silver Denarius you'll find the likeness of Emperor OTHO CAESAR with his head facing right. On the reverse, seen advancing left, you'll find the likeness of VICTORIA. She is the Roman Goddess of Victory.

Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus was born Marcus Salvius

An ancient Persian Gold Daric is a high-purity gold piece and weighs approximately 8.4 grams. This weight is based on an ancient weight standard.

The Daric was also referred to as a Babylonian shekel. It was called a shekel because it was equivalent to one month's pay for a mercenary foot soldier. We know what Persian Darics were used for. Persian Darics were some of the first coins ever used as currency. Currency was a new concept, because in ancient times bartering was the norm.

One daric could be exchanged for 20 silver sigloi. This was a daric's silver currency counterpart.

The first coins ever made were of a substance called electrum. Ancient Electrum Coinage of Cyzicus could be found occurring naturally along riversides in ancient times. Importantly, electrum contained gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals. It was bright and had such a white color to it that ancient Greeks who found it called it "white gold." Moreover, there were several types of electrum depending on the amount of gold and the different alloys it contained. Electrum could range in color from a bright white yellow a greenish tone. Adding Cadmium, which is highly toxic, to the gold turned it to a green color. The ancient Lydians who discovered this also realized the health concerns regarding its use.

Cyzicus Electrum Choice Very Fine Stater

An example

Alexander the Great's Influence on the ancient world stretched across a vast area. His influence extended from Greece and Asia Minor, to Persia, Egypt, and all the way to the border of India. Alexander was known as one of the most successful military commanders of the ancient world.

It is amazing that Alexander had accomplished so much success at such a young age. At the age of 16, Alexander led his first troops into combat. Before his death at the age of 32, he had forged a great empire.

Alexander's reign lasted from 336 BC to 323 BC. His connection and influence over the ancient world would last for years and years to come. Subsequently, Alexander's generals continued his legacy.

Coinage Influenced by Alexander

Rare Coins Blog

Welcome to our new Rare Coins Blog, where you'll embark on a captivating journey through the world of rare coins. We warmly welcome you as we explore this fascinating realm together.

Since its establishment in 1989, Austin Rare Coins & Bullion has remained at the forefront of the industry. For instance, we specialize in US Rare Coins, Pre-1993 rare coins, Ancient coins, and select World coins, including Spanish Escudos and other coins from the Spanish colonies. Our extensive inventory caters to the specific interests of collectors in these key areas. Additionally, we take tremendous pride in offering a diverse range of rare coins.

The primary goal of our blog is to highlight and discuss the exceptional inventory we have in these specific categories. Let's begin