Valuable Roman coins

 

Ancient Roman coins:

 

symbols of power

Ancient Roman currency

Roman coins’ rare value

Gold aureus significance

Roman denarius silver coin

Ancient bronze sestertius

Roman coin artistry

Historic coin discovery

Roman empire wealth

Coins of Julius Caesar

Rare EID MAR denarius C

Coins from sunken ships

 

 

Video

 

10 Rare Ancient Roman Coins That Collectors Are Dreaming Of

Posted on June 24, 2024

From portraits of powerful emperors to depictions of mythological figures, it is easy to see why Roman coinage captivates numismatists. While the world of Roman numismatics is vast and complex, navigating its intricacies is made simpler with our list highlighting gold and silver rare Roman coins’ value and history. This piece will discuss:

• The most valuable rare Roman coins.
• The factors contributing to the rarity of Roman coinage.
• Sourcing gold rare Roman coins online.

Watch this informative video to learn more about ancient Roman coins:

 

 

Rare expensive Roman coins

Windows into the past, Roman coins, often discovered in Roman coin hoards, offer invaluable insights into the political, cultural, and economic landscape of ancient Rome. Bearing the likeness of emperors, gods, and symbols that reflect the values and aspirations of people of the time, Roman coinage is a journey through the annals of ancient civilization.

1. Galba Aureus: a highly coveted rare Roman coin.

A numismatic treasure created by the mint of Rome during the brief reign of emperor Servius Sulpicius Galba in AD 68-69, this aureus is sought after for its intrinsic value and historical significance. Aurei, emblematic of the late Roman Empire, were gold coins originally worth 25 silver denarii. Like all aurei, the Galba aureus was crafted of gold nearly 24 karats pure, boasting over 99% purity.

Featuring a design of Galba’s bust on the obverse and a female figure holding a patera and cornucopia on the reverse, this coin marked a pivotal moment in Roman history. It signaled the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the start of the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors. A shining example of an answer to the question “Are authentic Roman coins rare?”, any collector would be fortunate to have the Galba aureus grace their collection.

Roman Empire Galba Aureus

• Metal: Gold
• Year: AD 68 – 69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Augustus Aureus: one of the rarest Roman coins.

Struck during the reign of emperor Augustus, this aureus coin is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and symbolism. Minted in Pergamum, the coin features the profile of Augustus on the obverse and an image of a Capricorn on the reverse. The Capricorn, a hybrid creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish, held significant cultural importance in Roman society as it represented strength, resilience, and determination. Its image on this coin serves to convey the emperor’s connection to divine forces and his ability to ensure stability and prosperity for the empire.

Beyond its exquisite design, the Augustus aureus commands considerable value among collectors thanks to its historical importance. Augustus’ profound impact on Roman history is evident in the multitude of Roman coins, rare pieces uncovered in discoveries such as this, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Augustus Aureus

• Metal: Gold
• Year: 19 BC – 18 BC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by American Numismatics Society

3. Brutus Aureus: a rare Roman gold coin of great value.

Another one of the most coveted rare Roman gold coins, the Brutus aureus immortalizes one of the most infamous figures in ancient history, Marcus Junius Brutus. Made by the military mint accompanying Brutus in western Asia Minor or northern Greece, this gold coin portrays Brutus on the obverse and an emblem of absolute military triumph – a combined army and naval trophy – on the reverse.

The Brutus aureus holds profound significance as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a harbinger of the Roman Republic’s demise. Its rarity and historical resonance render it highly desired by collectors.

Brutus Aureus

• Metal: Gold
• Year: 42 B.C.E.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Numismatic News

4. EID MAR Denarius: among the rarest Roman coins in existence.

When it comes to sky-high rare Roman coin values, few can compete with the EID MAR Denarius. Otherwise known as the Denarius of Brutus, this coin offers a window into one of the most dramatic events in Roman history, the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March.

Brutus commissioned the minting of the EID MAR coin in both gold and silver to commemorate Caesar’s downfall. With Brutus’ profile on one side and two daggers, representing Brutus and Cassius, on the other, the coin was made to symbolize defiance against tyranny and captivates collectors today.

EID MAR Denarius

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 42 BC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by The Fitzwilliam Museum

5. Titus Colosseum Sestertius: a historically significant rare Roman coin.

A testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome and the magnificence of the Colosseum, this coin is a formidable answer to the question “How rare are Roman coins?”. This extremely rare bronze sestertius was minted during the reign of emperor Titus, who oversaw the completion of the Colosseum and its inaugural games.

The stunning coin features an image of the majestic amphitheater, symbolizing the power of the Roman Empire, on the reverse and the profile of Titus on the obverse. Today, it remains a cherished emblem of ancient Roman architectural innovation.

The Titus Colosseum Sestertius

• Metal: Bronze
• Year: AD 80 – 81

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Classical Numismatic Group

6. Mark Anthony & Cleopatra Denarius: one of the most legendary silver rare Roman coins.

Another iconic coin that collectors wondering “Are Roman coins rare?” will appreciate is this denarius. Struck in silver, this rare piece serves as a tangible artifact of the legendary romance between the Roman general Mark Antony and the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra.

Commissioned by Mark Anthony after his conquest of Armenia, the coin’s obverse features a right-facing portrait of Mark Anthony, while the reverse shows the bust of Cleopatra. This striking denarius pays homage to the famous couple’s powerful partnership, immortalizing one of history’s most intriguing love stories.

Denarius of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 32 BC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Museums Victoria

7. Nero Sestertius: a gem among the rarest Roman coins.

A list of rare expensive Roman coins would not be complete without the Nero sestertius. Often referred to as the Port of Ostia sestertius, this numismatic marvel is renowned for its intricate design. Struck in bronze, this coin uniquely features a detailed depiction of the Port of Ostia, a vital harbor city near Rome, on the reverse. The harbor scene includes ships, lighthouses, and warehouses, showcasing the bustling maritime activity of ancient Rome and unparalleled coinage craftsmanship.

The Nero sestertius holds great value for collectors, not only for its undeniable artistic merit but also for its historical importance. Through its meticulous portrayal of emperor Nero’s ambitious building projects, it offers a tangible connection to the grandeur and engineering prowess of ancient Rome.

The Nero Port of Ostia Sestertius

• Metal: Bronze
• Year: AD 62 – 68

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Numista

8. Julius Caesar Portrait Denarius: one of the rarest Roman emperor coins.

Depicting one of history’s most influential figures, this Julius Caesar denarius is a quintessential representation of ancient Roman coinage. Collectors especially prize this particular coin as it was minted during Julius Caesar’s lifetime and he was the first living person to appear on Roman coinage. This offers a tangible link to the ancient emperor.

What makes this coin even more unique, and therefore valuable to collectors, is that, unlike most rare Roman coins depicting Julius Caesar from later periods, this portrait clearly highlights Caesar’s advanced age by showing his wrinkled skin.

Portrait of Julius Caesar Denarius

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 44 B.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by The Art Institute of Chicago

9. Valerian Antoninianus: the rarest Roman coin of an ill-fated emperor’s rule.

As far as rare ancient Roman coins are concerned, the Valerian Antoninianus is a stunning piece. A silver coin known for the distinctive crown worn by the emperor on its obverse, it pays tribute to Valerian’s brief but impactful rule. The coin’s reverse is adorned by different mythological motifs, such as the depiction of the Roman sun god Sol, adding to its allure.

The coin’s exquisite blend of artistic craftsmanship and symbolic imagery reflects the intricate narratives woven into ancient Roman coinage. This, along with its beauty, is the main reason why it is greatly prized by collectors to this day.

The Antoninianus of Valerian

• Metal: Silver
• Year: AD 253 – 260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Yale University Art Gallery

10. Diocletian Follis: one of the most rare bronze Roman coins.

One of the most important bronze rare Roman coins is the follis of Diocletian. Minted in Rome, this remarkable coin from the late Roman Empire was a key monetary unit of the time. The follis was introduced by Emperor Diocletian in an effort to reform the Roman economy and stabilize the empire. With its standardized weight and size, it provided a more reliable medium of exchange compared to the debased coinage that preceded it.

Today, the follis of Diocletian is valued by numismatists and historians alike for the insights it provides into the economic dynamics of the late empire.

The Follis of Diocletian

• Metal: Bronze
• Year: AD 298 – 299

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by The Art Institute of Chicago

See more rare Roman coins for sale in Blanchard’s extensive selection.

Where to buy rare coins

Roman coinage epitomizes the rich tapestry of ancient history, offering collectors tangible connections to a civilization of unparalleled grandeur. To embark on your journey into the world of rare Roman coins or add to your collection, visit Blanchard and tap into the expertise of their seasoned team for guidance. Do not hesitate to contact Blanchard’s experts with questions about rare Roman coins price and more.

 

 

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Blanchard and Company 10 Rare Ancient Roman Coins That Collectors Are Dreaming Of - Market News 10 Rare Roman Coins: Value & History | Rarest Roman Coins to Collect

Video

Is the Great Pyramid of Thailand Actually South East Asia's FIRST Buddhist Temple?

 

Khao Klang Nok in the country of Thailand was just a mound of earth with trees on it, buried for 1,500 years or more, until quite recently. Digging commenced back in about 2008 I believe, and was finished in 2012. What emerged was an erection, the like of which had never been seen before in Thailand. Many have dubbed it a pyramid, but most experts have said it was a Buddhist temple with a large stupa/chedi built around the 6th century.... however, it may be far older. PSA: No theory set forth in this video is a given fact. #history #thailand #exploring I used some pictures of the archaeological dig, most of which were displayed on the noticeboard at Khao Klang Nok (and I filmed), and I'd like to credit whoever took them; I wanted to show the whole process of a place I believe could gain more recognition in the not too distant future.

 

Video

 

 

Temple of Poseidon Fully Uncovered, Proves Much Larger than Expected

 

 

 

 

 

Archaeologists have finally uncovered the full extent of the Temple of Poseidon at Samikon in the Western Peloponnese, Greece. The temple complex is significantly larger than expected, measuring approximately 28 meters long (91.8 ft) and nearly 9.5 meters (31.1 ft) wide, adding new depth to a find first made two years ago. Two large interior rooms dating back to the 6th century BC, along with a bronze plaque that likely adorned the temple walls, are the two more significant discoveries from this round of excavations.

The recent excavations were part of a five-year project led by the Austrian Archaeological Institute and supported by the Department of Antiquities of Elis. This is a site which researchers have searched for over a century, following hints provided by ancient Greek geographers like Strabo, reports a press release by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OAW). In 2021, the first breakthrough had been made, when Austrian and Greek researchers, together with geophysicists and geoarchaeologists, uncovered the foundation walls.

• Two Exceptional Greek Temples Uncovered in 2,600-Year-Old City of Poseidonia Paestum
• Discovery of Kouros Statues Puts Euromos Temple of Zeus Lepsynos on the Map

Archair Double-Chamber Room, a Bronze Plaque of Significance

The plaque remains in a fragile state, currently encased in the surrounding earth for protection. Early X-ray imaging has revealed the presence of a large inscription on one side of the bronze plate, which could perhaps allude to the temple’s history and the religious practices associated with it.

Birgitta Eder, the head of the Austrian Archaeological Institute’s branch in Athens, expressed optimism about this discovery.

“We are looking at an Archaic temple consisting of two main rooms. A central row of two columns, which we found in the first hall, and which supported the large roof covered with tiles, belongs to this phase. We may assume that there were also such columns in the second room. In any case, the ground plan of the temple is unusual. So far, we know of no comparable buildings,” she explained.

The Temple of Poseidon at Samikon is a prime example of an archaic double-chamber temple design, uncommon in Greek temple architecture. It features two substantial rooms, each of which is organized around a series of central pillars and forecourts framed by columns, adding to the architectural grandeur.

 

 

The interiors were tiled, likely covering the original floor level used during the temple’s active period, reports The Jerusalem Post. Around 300 BC, the roof was deliberately dismantled and stored within the structure itself, marking the apparent abandonment of the temple.

Within the temple’s second room, archaeologists found fragments of a marble vessel known as a Perirrhanterion, a ritual basin used in cleansing ceremonies. Measuring approximately one meter (3.28 ft) in diameter, the vessel’s function as a ritual object was reaffirmed through its restoration, which incorporated iron clamps that appear to be ancient repairs.

Clearly, the vessel was significant and used frequently even in antiquity. Combined with fragments unearthed in  2022, the archaeologists were able to reconstruct the basin almost entirely.

• Have Archaeologists Discovered the Sanctuary of Poseidon in Greece?
• Poseidon: Greek God of the Sea Who Created the Minotaur

This one meter (3.28 ft) diameter relic is a ritual purification vessel, crafted in the style of a copper basin. (Ministry of Culture ΥΠΠΟ)

Fortifying and Documentation: Ancient and Modern Modes of Preservation

A massive double-walled structure just north of the temple was also found. It likely functioned as a fortification enclosing the sacred district of Poseidon, while also acting as a protective barrier against the nearby coastal lagoons and swamps. This northern enclosure, first documented by early 20th-century archaeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld, appears to have served as a boundary that protected the temple from periodic flooding and from the sea, which was several kilometers closer to the temple at the time is was built, reports The Greek City Times.

Geographical descriptions by Strabo, the ancient Greek geographer, had suggested the presence of a sanctuary to Poseidon near the coast, under the acropolis of Samikon, nestled within a grove of wild olive trees, containing lagoons, coastal marshes, and swamps. His writings, combined with recent technological advances in geophysical survey methods, guided the team’s 2021 investigations, which took place near the hills of Kleidi.

 

The Temple of Poseidon served as a central religious and cultural site for the nearby cities of Triphylia, playing a vital role in uniting those communities. Birgitta Eder emphasized the temple’s long-standing importance, indicating that it was integral to the regional league of Triphylian cities, both as a religious and a strategic center.

The sanctuary’s establishment in the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC) hints at its continuous importance across various historical epochs, from Mycenaean to classical Greek periods.

New Documentary to Detail Discoveries at Kleidi Site

Filming for a new historical documentary titled Thermopylae of the Peloponnese began in September at the "Kleidi" site in Kato Samiko. This documentary is being produced as part of a five-year research project led by the Austrian Archaeological Institute in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities of Elis.

The series will consist of seven episodes, each designed to provide scientific, cultural, and educational perspectives on the archaeological discoveries and the historical significance of the region. Once completed, Thermopylae of the Peloponnese will be available for public viewing on the website of the Gerda Henkel Foundation, offering audiences around the world a closer look at the history and heritage of the Peloponnese and the ongoing work of the archaeological team.

Top image: Ancient stone statue of mighty god of the sea and oceans Neptune (Poseidon) with trident.     Source:zwiebackesser/Adobe Stock                                           

By Sahir Pandey

 

 

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Temple of Poseidon Fully Uncovered, Proves Much Larger than Expected | Ancient Origins

Urartian

 

Experts to uncover the secret of the monumental and three-dimensional Urartian statue found on Garibin Tepe

 

In an area where rescue excavations were conducted last year, archaeologists discovered a basalt stone statue from the Urartian period that weighed approximately one tonne during the archaeological excavations in Van’s Tuşba district.

In 2023, archaeologists found the first monumental statue of its kind in the region during rescue excavations at Garibin Tepe. This fascinating discovery, which is roughly 2 meters long and 1 meter wide, was discovered in a historical site only 3 kilometers from Ayanis Castle and 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the city center.

This year, the excavation was concentrated on the southern portion of the hill and was headed by Van Museum under the scientific direction of Professor Mehmet Işıklı from the Department of Archaeology at Atatürk University.

Professor Işıklı stated: “This is a monumental three-dimensional statue that we have never encountered before. We are very excited, and after preliminary studies, we hope to gain more detailed information.”

The statue, believed to have a broken neck, is noted for its impressive size and craftsmanship.  After detailed examinations by a team from Ankara, the mystery of the basalt statue is expected to be solved.

Professor Işıklı stated that the Urartian civilization is one of the least understood areas because it has very few known sculptural works.

 

Işıklı said, “In Urartian art, there are very limited works related to plastic arts, namely sculpture. We are working with only a few examples. In metal or stone, we don’t have much data in terms of sculpture. In this regard, pieces of an object related to a lion statue were previously found in the excavation area. This year, however, we encountered a find that surprised us greatly. A striking example of Urartian plastic art made of basalt was unearthed.”

He also mentioned earlier finds in the region, mentioning a statue of a lion that was discovered in 1995 while conducting rescue excavations. This new finding broadens our knowledge of the Urartians’ creative practices.“This is a statue carved as a solid block. We cannot say anything definitive at the moment about what it represents, as it is highly stylized, approximately 2 meters long and 1 meter wide, and monumental. The statue is being transported to the Van Museum, where preliminary studies and interventions will take place. After restoration, we will gain more insight. It is a striking find in an area with very few unique Urartian artifacts.”

 Işıklı continued, “We are encountering such a monumental, three-dimensional statue for the first time. We hope to gain more detailed information after the initial studies. It resembles a figure with a carved base, a stylized head, a square prism-shaped body, and indiscernible facial features. It appears monumental. Whether it represents a divine or royal figure is very hard to determine. We even considered if it was a postmodern statue.”Emphasizing that Garibin Tepe is an exciting site, Işıklı stated that the discovery makes a significant contribution to the Urartian heritage in Türkiye.

 

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Experts to uncover the secret of the monumental and three-dimensional Urartian statue found on Garibin Tepe - Arkeonews

Alexander the Great

Ancient purple tunic discovered in Vergina tomb: could it belong to Alexander the Great?

by Dario Radley

 

 October 30, 2024

 

 

 

 

A team led by Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace has presented compelling evidence that a purple and white tunic found in Greece’s Royal Tombs at Vergina might have once belonged to Alexander the Great.

 

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The tunic, known as a chiton, was located in Tomb II of the Vergina site, which has long been believed to hold the remains and artifacts of Alexander’s father, Philip II. However, Bartsiokas and his team now argue that Tomb II may actually contain items that belonged to Alexander himself, with the remains inside being those of Alexander’s half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaeus, who was crowned king after Alexander’s death.

This finding was detailed in the Journal of Field Archaeology, where the researchers explained their use of modern scientific techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography, to analyze the tunic’s material composition.

According to Bartsiokas, the purple hue of the chiton is key evidence. This color, derived from the rare Tyrian purple dye, was typically reserved for elites and was especially prized in ancient Persia, which Alexander famously conquered. The tunic’s composition—cotton layers separated by a mineral-based white fabric, likely huntite—also supports an eastern origin, fitting descriptions of Persian royal garments. Additionally, a golden diadem, a scepter, and a gold oak wreath found near the tunic are thought to further symbolize connections to Alexander’s royal regalia and to the cultural influence of the Persian Empire.

 

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The debate over the Royal Tombs’ occupants has a long history, intensified after the site’s discovery in 1977 by Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronicos. Andronicos attributed the tomb to Philip II, citing evidence consistent with his known injuries, such as signs of synostosis in a femur, which matched Philip’s limp. However, Bartsiokas argues that the presence of artifacts resembling Alexander’s and Philip III’s raises questions about Andronicos’s conclusions, suggesting that some items in the tombs may belong to different individuals within Alexander’s family.

 

If confirmed, this new interpretation could profoundly impact historical narratives around the Vergina tombs. The presence of Philip III Arrhidaeus in Tomb II, with Alexander’s possessions, may indicate that Alexander’s empire was divided in part by allocating his personal items, which were then brought back to Greece by his half-brother after Alexander’s death in 323 BCE. This theory would also confirm that Alexander’s actual burial site remains undiscovered, adding to the long-standing mystery of his final resting place.

 

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The study further proposes that Tomb I at Vergina houses Philip II, his wife Cleopatra, and their newborn child, while Tomb III holds the remains of Alexander IV, Alexander’s teenage son. This arrangement aligns with Bartsiokas’s theory of the tombs as a collective family burial site, showcasing a blend of Macedonian and Persian symbols that reflect Alexander’s ambition to unite both cultures.

More information: Bartsiokas, A. (2024). The identification of the sacred “Chiton” ( sarapis ) of pharaoh Alexander the great in tomb II at Vergina, Macedonia, Greece. Journal of Field Archaeology, 1–13. doi:10.1080/00934690.2024.2409503

 

 

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Ancient purple tunic discovered in Vergina tomb: could it belong to Alexander the Great? | Archaeology News