Greek Coins vs. Roman Coins: What do You Prefer?

Before I head off for work...

I really cannot decide, I like ALL ancient/medieval coins, including ones struck after 1200AD to circa 1979 for some Country issues. My collection spans from Ancient Lydia 600BC to most recent "Wildlife Conservation Series" 1974-79 depicting endangered animals.

 

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Although I enjoy the artistry on many Greek coins, I love Roman ones because of the historical aspect of Roman numismatics. Roman imperial and provincial coins often commemorate historical events or portray historically important individuals. Moreover, the artistry on Roman coins has its own aesthetic value, too.

 

2700 years! Nice collection span, and focusing in gold...nice work John!

I am expanding into Egyptian Scarabs, being careful, ensuring I have trusted sources, do my homework, check out provenances, search for experts and opinions. I like the touch with History, and now my collection spans over 4,000 years... I want to do what you have... Create a reasonably continuous link from the beginning to today! Great job, although I have a LOT of gold, (but, only 1 ancient), I envy your collection. Well done.

 

It's tempting but difficult to generalize my preferences. I'll try though

All else being equal, I prefer coins which exhibit artistry. Sometimes I prefer the mystery of a coin without any (or much) known history, letting my imagination fill in the blanks. For that reason, very early Greek coins are often the targets of my longing.

In general, I'm not attracted to coins which have battle scenes or which commemorate battles. Perhaps it's a female thing, but war and particulars of battle do not interest me much.

I am attracted to coins showing defunct religions and gods, finding them more interesting than coins which depict currently popular religions. Why did those religions fall out of favor? Which religions will exist in the next millennium? It's fun to think about such things.

There are many exceptions to all of the above .

 

My main focus is on Biblical coins, so I like a lot of the Judean coins. Plus, there are some Roman coins included in that.

Although, I love the art on the Greek coins and how they were able to fit so much detail on some of the tiny coins.

All ancient coins are total boss, though.

You've got some awesome scarabs, Alegandron! I can't wait to see what comes next.

Erin

 

I will post them sometime, I only have a few... But, I am educating myself (sites, books, searches, keeping my "feelers" out there...). Purdy FUN! But, I am learning to focus even in this area, so I don't wantonly spend my money everywhere! Fascinating Histories...

I am also fascinated with your Sumerian drum seal... But, I can't go there now... focus... LOL

 

I love the superb artistry of so many of the RR and Greek types, and the gold issues shown on this site are amazing, but I prefer the late Roman and early Byzantine bronzes. One of the things I like best about this hobby is being able to go through bags and boxes of coins, particularly the little ae4 types, cherry-picking out the ones I want. I've found quite a few very rare coins hiding in these big lots. You're never going to find an EID MAR denarius in this manner. My wife likens what I do to the American Picker guys.

 

+1

I wholeheartedly agree!

 

Lol! The Sumerian tablet belongs to my brother. I would love to get one of my own, but they are far beyond my budget. I get to look at it every now and then. I just hope he can get it translated.

I keep my small budget for coins. I forgot to mention that I like Roman Republic coins too. My first one, a fouree, is on its way from one of our esteemed forum members. That and another Judean coin.

Erin

 

Greek are IMO the most beautiful, but Roman the most interesting and historically important.

 

As a portrait series collector, I prefer coins with portraits of the rulers of the ancient world. You mostly get portraits of actual rulers on Roman coins, so that is my focus. That said, i'm always happy to add portraits from Greek kings when available.

 

I suppose I prefer Greeks because of the stunning works of art that many of the coins are but I can't afford those so I have more Romans.

 

With all these great coin photos/posts/ coin auctions/ coin books/ magazines....small wonder that I have coins on my mind all day while I am cutting lawns/trimming hedges/weeding flowerbeds! I have to confess, on those really awfull hot/ humid days....also got ice cold Corona on my agenda!!!!

 

Greek especially archaic, Phoenician and Persian earlier pre alexander stuff, than Classical Hellenistic,Roman provincial and earlier Roman rep.finally Roman Imperial tied with Byzantine in that order.