Ancient coins include a vast array of coinage minted around the globe from around 7th century BC to 5th century AD. The hundreds of ancient coins for sale today vary in metal, design, value, and meaning, with each one having historical significance.

Collecting ancient coins allows you to connect to world history, explore the foundations of our modern currency, and attain beautiful keepsakes with meaningful, hand-crafted artistry.

FAQs

What should I look for when buying ancient coins?

To find the highest quality ancient coins for sale, look for a coin with a good grade, artistic style, and authenticating documents that include a third-party evaluation of the coin’s quality.

How are ancient coins graded?

Grading terminology for ancient coins is similar to that of modern coins, but the criteria is much more variable. Most experts trust the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for ancient coin grading. NGC gives an adjective grade based on the preservation (from Poor to Gem Mint State), plus evaluations on the strike quality, surface, and style.

What are the most valuable ancient coins?

Some examples of valuable ancient coins for sale include:

Ancient Roman 1st-century AD Galba gold aureus
Ancient Greek 7th-century BC Ionia electrum hecte
Ancient Greek 5th-century BC Syracuse tetradrachm
Ancient Roman 1st-century BC Julius Caesar denarius
Ancient Egyptian 3rd-century BC Ptolemy II gold octadrachm
Ancient Byzantine 6th-century AD Justinian I gold solidus

These are just some examples, as the world of rare ancient coins for sale is vast.

What is the difference between a replica and an authentic ancient coin?

Counterfeit coins have been around as long as ancient coins; replicas made in ancient times even have a name: fourrée. To identify a real ancient coin, find a trusted source like NGC to compare the potential replica to what the coin should look like, looking at traits like its diameter, weight, patina, and edge. The best way to sort out the real deal is to only buy ancient coins for sale from reputable sellers with NGC certificates.

How can I verify the authenticity of an ancient coin?

Ancient coins should be authenticated by a professional, third-party expert such as NGC or David R. Sear.

How should I store and care for my ancient coin collection?

Very rare or valuable ancient coins should be kept in a vacuum-sealed, durable plastic holder provided by the grading organization. However, most ancient coins can be stored individually in an acid-free environment, like a coin binder with acid-free materials and slots for each coin.

Keep the coins in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. We recommend NOT cleaning ancient coins on your own to avoid damaging the fragile surface. If absolutely necessary, consult a professional for coin cleaning.

How do I start a collection of ancient coins?

The sheer number of ancient coins for sale may be intimidating, so start by deciding which eras or countries you’re interested in. You can build a set of different countries’ coins from a specific century.

If you love ancient Greece, your collection could be of ancient Greek drachmas or coins of a specific region like Phoenicia. Those interested in Christian history may enjoy perusing Biblical ancient coins for sale, like a Phoenician shekel, Roman denarius, or Hasmonean lepton.

Where can I find reputable dealers for ancient coins?

At Coins Auctioned, our Verified Sellers go through a rigorous and thorough vetting process to ensure buyers receive the highest-quality items and service. If you’re unsure about a listing’s accuracy, you can request a free audit via our Sheriff Program and a third-party expert will conduct a review.

What is the process for purchasing ancient coins from your site?

Set up your account first to track orders and communicate with sellers. Start browsing the hundreds of ancient coins for sale, using the filters above to narrow down your search. You can buy ancient coins immediately on Catalogue (Buy it Now) listings or place a bid on a reserve or no-reserve auction starting at just $1.

Further Reading