Ancients

Ancient coins represent a fascinating way to celebrate human history. They’re accessible to collectors with even the most modest budget but can also offer the serious collector opportunities to acquire elite, world-class rarities.

Coins from the Greek and Roman empires are some of the most appealing of ancient coins, as they document the history of early Western culture, and include many coins significant to Biblical history. They’re also some of the most plentiful and obtainable. One of the most popular is the “Widow’s Mite,” a coin described in the Biblical Gospels of Mark and Luke. Great numbers of coins that match those described in the text have been recovered in the historic area of Judea, and today they are popular as gifts, often to children, as a tangible reminder of Jesus’ teachings.

Another fascinating focus for collectors are coins bearing the likeness of Roman Emperors. Each emperor, or ceasar, sought to reinforce a strong image with reminders of his power and glory.

An even older attracts great collector interest: The Athenian Owl silver tetradrachm, produced from about 525 to 294 BC. Renowned for its striking artistry, the coin features the face of Greek goddess Athena on its front and a well-feathered owl on the reverse. This inspired the use of the terms “heads” and “tails” to describe the two sides of a coin, and is a motif that can still be found on many coins today.

President Teddy Roosevelt was known to carry an Owl tetradrachm in his pocket, and his admiration for the coin’s design can be seen reflected by the 1907 redesign of America’s $20 Double Eagle gold piece by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The history of the Owl follows the rise of Athens as a powerful empire and the true beginning of Western culture, which no doubt inspired the President as well.

The variety of ancient coins available to today’s collectors is nearly boundless, and nearly impossible to fully describe here. If you have an interest in any particular historic or ancient coin let us know - our wholesale network can find and acquire almost any coin traded among collectors worldwide.

Widow’s Mite

Various coins match the biblical description of the Widow’s Mite

Anchor/star prutah of Alexander Jannaeus

Prutah of the procurator Valerius Gratus was struck in A.D. 24, not long before the widow’s offering.

Herod I “the Great” (40 to 4 B.C.) issued this prutah

Ask us about any area of interest in ancient coins!

Athenian Owl tetradrachm