How Juno Shaped Ancient Rome: From Protector to Warrior Goddess

In ancient Rome, Juno was one of the most powerful and revered goddesses. Known as the queen of the gods, she was not only the sister and wife of Jupiter, the king of the gods, but also had many other important roles in Roman society. Over the years, Juno was celebrated under various titles, each … Read more

Roman Coins and Sacred Spaces: What Ancient Hoards Tell Us About Early Roman Society

The discovery of ancient hoards, or collections of coins and other valuables, has provided us with an incredible glimpse into the past. Some of these hoards date back to the third century BCE and are connected to the practice of establishing sacred spaces in areas that were once part of ancient Rome. These areas include … Read more

Why Ancient Coins Don’t Have Dates: The Fascinating History Behind Early Currency

Ancient coins are fascinating artifacts that tell us a lot about the history of past civilizations. One surprising fact is that most ancient coins do not have a date on them, unlike the coins we use today. For example, it’s common for modern coins to show the year they were minted. However, this practice did … Read more

Unveiling New Roman Republican Coin Types: From Didrachms to Aurei of Octavian and Antony

A new batch of Roman Republican coins has just been added to the Roman Republican Die Project (RRDP). This release is exciting because it covers a much wider period of time, including both early Republican didrachms and later coins from the reigns of Octavian and Antony. The new set includes more types and subtypes of … Read more

The 100 Most Valuable Ancient Coins: A Collector’s Dream

Harlan J. Berk, a well-known name in the world of ancient coins, has been part of the coin business for almost 60 years. As a coin dealer in Chicago, his expertise and experience have made him a key figure in numismatics, the study and collection of coins. One of his most significant contributions to the … Read more

Discover the Legacy of Antoninus Pius: A Time of Peace and Prosperity in Rome

Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Antoninus, commonly known as Antoninus Pius, was a Roman Emperor whose reign is remembered for its peace and prosperity. Born on September 19, 86 CE in Lanuvium, he belonged to a respected family with a long history in the Roman Senate. He became emperor in 138 CE and ruled until his … Read more

Uncovering the Rare 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar

The Franklin half dollar is a fascinating coin that tells a story of history and artistry. It was minted between 1948 and 1963, showcasing designs that reflect American values and pride. This coin series is a favorite among collectors for its historical significance and unique challenges, such as finding coins in top condition. Let’s explore … Read more

Discover Rare Coins from Historic Mints at Surprising Prices

Collecting coins can be a fascinating hobby, but it’s important to know how cleaning and other factors affect a coin’s value. Coins with improper cleaning often sell for less, but they can also offer collectors a chance to own rare coins at a more affordable price. This is especially true for coins minted at historic … Read more

1901 and 1904 Coronet Gold Coins: A Closer Look at Recent Sales

Collecting rare coins is an exciting hobby that attracts many enthusiasts worldwide. Some collectors focus on completing sets with the highest-graded coins in a series. Others might seek a single coin that represents a design type they admire. A recent event highlighted this passion at Heritage Auctions during their May 10 session. Two Coronet gold … Read more

Why Seated Liberty Dollars Are a Collector’s Dream Come True

The Seated Liberty dollar is a historic coin type that was produced between 1840 and 1873. Despite its unique history, it remains one of the most misunderstood coin series among collectors, according to experts. Originally struck for bullion depositors who exchanged their silver for these coins, they were also intended for export trade. As a … Read more