| Every body has a passion, in one form of | | | | explain that these types of ancient European |
| another. For many, collecting things, like antiques | | | | silver coins have been around since 1100 BC, and |
| and coins, gives these hobbyists a sense of | | | | were widely used during the Alexandrian period. |
| accomplishment, as well as helps preserve | | | | Some collectors sell silver drachmas for about |
| memories for future generations of the family to | | | | $60 each, maybe more, depending on the era of |
| share. Did you know that the study of coins and | | | | the coin. |
| various currencies is called numismatics, and the | | | | Ancient Roman coins were known singularly as |
| persons who avidly collect these coins for their | | | | the denarius, plural form is denarii. These were |
| aesthetic and historical value are called | | | | silver coins dating back as far as 211 BC, and |
| numismatists? | | | | some coins even featured the face of Marcus |
| Numismatists are spread all over the world, with | | | | Aurelius. For some collectors, then can purchase |
| even more people getting hooked on the trade, | | | | ancient silver coins for about $30 or more each. |
| too. The practice of collecting coins even dates | | | | The value of ancient European silver coins depend |
| back to thousands of years. According to the | | | | not only on their age, but also their condition, |
| Journal of the History of Collections in a 1994 | | | | which can be classified as fine, very fine, and |
| article, the practice has flourished during the | | | | others. Most of the coins during these era |
| Renaissance in Europe, where coins were collected | | | | featured faces of prominent leaders, and even |
| or given as gifts and tokens of friendship. | | | | images of Roman or Greek gods and goddesses. |
| Ancient European silver coins are among the most | | | | Some coins for sale are processed or cleaned, |
| widely circulated among coin traders and collectors | | | | and this adds to their marketability and value. For |
| of the world. If you do a search on Google alone, | | | | example, a Marc Antony coin, with goddess |
| it will yield you thousands of sites that sell and | | | | Minerva on reverse side, in very fine condition, |
| appraise these invaluable pieces of history. | | | | and dating 83 to 30 BC retails for about $400 or |
| In Ancient Greece, a common form of | | | | more. The most expensive Greek silver coins are |
| denomination was called the drachma, which was | | | | all stored in the National Numismatic Museum in |
| the ancient currency that has evolved into | | | | Athens. |
| modern use until the 20th century. Sources | | | | |