Ancient coins, what are they?

I know nothing about ancient coins. I got these a couple years ago and they were buried in my safe. Thought I would take pictures and see if anyone can offer some idea of what they are.

What I have discovered is ancients are for the pros. What a vast world it is.





The color of this one is off. It's a dark copper color.





Thanks in advance.

 

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First one is Trajan Decius
AR Antoninianus
Obv: IMPCMQTRAIANVSDECIVSAVG - Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ABVNDANTIAAVG - Abundantia standing right, pouring out cornucopia.
RIC 10b, C 2

Second one looks like Licinius II

 

Common? I mean, common for being so old?

 

Both are very common emperors, yes.

Top one is about $30 and the bottom about $30/$35 depending on the patina/surfaces. Hard to tell with the photo.

 

Huh.

Well, they could be worth $5 and I would still enjoy them.

Okay, so what about age?

 

Trajan Decius reigned from 249 - 251 A.D.
Licinius II 317 - 324 A.D.

 

Very cool. Hey thanks guys. Seriously, your world blows modern coins out of the water. Thanks all!

 

A general misperception among collectors of moderns is that because something is old, it is therefore rare. The Romans minted millions upon millions of coins throughout their history as an empire, and yes, many of them are quite common. Of course, there are rarities, quite a few of them. But the collector on a budget is capable of amassing a lot of ancient coins for no more money than the collector of US issues.

Some silver antoniniani are exceedingly common and easy (and fun) to collect. Here are two of mine, issued by Gordian III...

 

Thats why I fell into them 5 years ago. Much more fun and a bit less rules. No slabs either!

 

I agree 110% I find the history behind ancient coins much more interesting and its really neat to know I am holding centuries-old coins in the palm of my hand (yes, they can be handled).

 

Yeah, I totally can see the enjoyment.

And as far as thinking old equals rare, I get those rules don't apply here. As much as rare is attractive, I can be happy with old. I think about the age and the life that has passed by these coins. The history that has surrounded and left these coins. Centuries..simply amazing..

 

The biggest problem for beginners in ancients is that there are just so very many of them and even some of the common ones, if you are looking for a specific coin, might take a little looking to find. You can go to just about any big coin show and find several examples of the popular US rarities but you might have trouble finding those exact two coins again. On top of that, there are not likely to be exacly the same coins anyway since each ancient is unique in terms of centering, strike, surfaces and a dozen other factors that are assumed with US coins. Even worse, dealers have no agreement on prices for similar coins so you might find a nicer example of something you just bought for half what you just paid ...or... you might say you won't pay that price for a coin and not see another of the type for years.

Collecting ancients is fun but requires a different mindset than modern coins. You have to know you will not get them all so you can only lean back and enjoy the ones that come your way.

The above coin is a lot like your second one except it was made by workshop A rather than B (letter in reverse field). Both are Cyzicus mint (SMK). Mine has smoother surfaces but a weakly struck center to the reverse lacking the abs on Jupiter that your coin has. Mine cost $14 a few years ago. Does the combination of time and a better strike less the textured surface add up to Mat's appraisal of $30? Opinion? That is why you statement that the coin would be interesting even if only $5 is the right attitude. "Enjoy you coins for what they are, not what they are worth." (from an old Frank Robinson list).

 

I tend to quote averages of ebay sales & vcoins.

Just the past few months it seems like ancients have gone up again even for Gordian III. Weakening dollar perhaps? More getting exposed to ancients?

 

both nice finds in the ol' safe! the Trajan d. I especially like.

 

You're right on the money dougsmit with your comment that there are very many and variations are abundent.

I may continue when I have more free time. I respect these ancients and all the work that goes into collecting.

 

Thanks. My sister got them for my birthday a couple years ago from a small town antique store in southern Minnesota. I stuck them in my safe and haven't gone through my hoard for some time. I have held these in my hands maybe 5 minutes in the couple years I have had them in possession. Yeah, value is in their age and all the life that has happened since their creation.

 

Sounds like you may have the bug. Welcome to the Dark Side.

 

This is probably the most concise and smartest piece of advise for beginners I've ever read.