I'm old and naive. When I was starting out and 15 (that was a while back), I could go to a coin dealer and say, "I have $35 and would like a denarius of the third century; what do you suggest?" If they say, "Go away, kid", try another dealer. Study up watching posts here so you won't be asking something unreasonable (there is no $35 portrait coin of Julius Caesar). You might even be happy telling a trusted dealer to send you his choice of a $35 coin but finding that dealer might just be harder than the other way. Ask questions!!! Good luck.
What do I think about "Eastern" ancient coins? Here's what I think: All of these are from my personal collection, and the most expensive coin was $37. Hopefully these may inspire you to decide on an area that appeals to you. Welcome to Coin Talk and the "dark side"!
This is a silver drachm from Persia during the Sasanian Empire (224-651 AD). It was struck by Khusro II (591- 628 AD) and has a mintmark of Meshan Province and is dated to Year 5 of the king. Sasanian history is really interesting, and many of their coins are reasonably common and inexpensive. (They made lots of silver coins, but not much copper, so the silver coins are actually less expensive today than the coppers!) The reverse shows a Zoroastrian fire-altar with two priests. Most Sasanian coins have both a date and a mintmark, so there are literally thousands of different varieties possible. I bought this coin earlier this year from the online fixed-price list of Stephen Album, at a cost of just $25. I could go on and on, but I think that's enough to get you started. And, other Coin Talk members, how about if you make the case for your own subspecialties? What is available in the $35 range for Late Roman Bronzes, or Severans, or Seleucids, or...
I hate advertising myself but I have to make an exception. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/numismatics-101.305810/ I'm writing an article and I am requesting people to submit tips and tricks for me to compile
@Mike Drop everyone has given some great advice and I echo it's great to see a YN interested in ancients. You will have to decide what area or areas you want to collect, that in its self is a difficult decision to make but it is yours alone to make. I made the jump from moderns to ancients not quite 2 years ago and I've yet to focus on any one area. I like Greek, I like Roman I like it all. I have several sub collections going. It truely will be a life long collection as some one replied. But rewarding, educational and above all fun. I hope you find it as we all have, what we like and have fun showing and learning from each other here. Ask any question some one will know the answer. Have a need and some one will generously help with that need. It's the finest group of freinds that I never met
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to the Ancients Forum, @Mike Drop ! I know that I've welcomed you already in another thread but that was before you took your Pledge of Ancient Coin Allegiance Take the advice of the more seasoned CTAF members (Not me—but I'm getting better thanks to hanging around the CTAF). I'll be glad to send you a list of my favorite and trusted dealers in ancients via CoinTalk Personal Mail (PM) who offer certificates of authenticity and lifetime refund guarantees.
I'm glad you took my advice and came to the dark side, I hope you find it quite cozy here! (I know I have). Good luck in you future ancient collecting endeavors! Thanks, Jacob
I want to begin with ancients too and will eventually make a similar post asking how to start particularly in my historical interests. For any ancient coin collector who is a member of the ANA and under 18 can participate in the ANA's Ancient Coin Project. https://www.money.org/young-numismatists/coin-education/ancient-coin-project I need to begin in this part of numismatics too!
In the OPs defense I do not believe he was trying to deceive anyone. I've read some of his posts on other threads and I believe he is genuine in his interest in coins. He's also 15. The article comment request is likely related to the ANA YN project linked above or else just a desire to write about the hobby he has decided to undertake. Cut the kid some slack people.
I completely agree and feel @Orfew quite clearly overreacted. Though I don't want to arise conflict in his thread.