While I don't have a specific start date for my ancient coin collection, I've always been fascinated by ancient history. As a kid, I picked up some medieval Indian coins and a few fake ancients at flea markets. I got into silver stacking back in 2017, by 2019, I occasionally added some ancient coins to my collection, such as the Syracuse onkia with an octopus and my first Roman coin, a worn follis featuring the She-wolf and twins. But the ancient bug bit me hard after covid hit, when I bought an Ionia 1/12th stater as a birthday gift. Holding that particular coin had pulled me deep into the dark side! So far I have mostly focused on Roman Empire coins and South Indian kingdom coins. Roman coins because they are the most common and affordable, and South Indian coins due to personal connections with the region. I have also added Greek coins whenever I found a good deal, though they are not high on the priority list, except for the tetradrachms of Athens and the lifetime Alexander from Babylon. Although I've been in this hobby for a while, my collection only consists of around 200 coins, it might seem high or low to different people, but I have only collected coins that I find interesting. Most of my coins are budget buys, except for a few, especially the aureus, which by the the way was my dream acquisition. The tray below showcases my favourite picks from my collection. Please share your favourites!
About 3 years ago I started getting uncleaned coins in hopes to build a collection. I have cleaned, identified and cataloged over 200 now. The best is this one that I found this in a batch of uncleaned coins. It is only the second one found and I got it entered in the RIC Database. Constantius II, AE follis, Cyzicus. AD 335-336. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, two soldiers holding spears and shields with two standards between them. Mintmark star SMKA. RIC VII Cyzicus 113 var (officina); notinric 7cyz113. Rated R4. Contributed by David Zachmeyer, Feb. 2020
The topic seems to have disappeared from NF but congrats on reaching 5 years. You've done a lot in that short time. I've been collecting steadily since about 1993, although my first coin was purchased in the mid-1980's.
