The price of a Roman coin can vary significantly depending on several factors, primarily rarity, condition, and the material (metal composition).
Here’s a general overview:
- Rarity and Mintage: Coins with limited production, unique variations, or those from emperors with short reigns tend to be more valuable. The EID MAR denarius minted by Brutus to commemorate Caesar’s assassination, is an excellent example of a rare and highly sought-after coin.
- Condition and Grade: The better preserved a coin is, the more valuable it will be. Grading scales range from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated), with higher grades commanding higher prices.
- Material and Composition:
– Gold (Aureus): Generally the most valuable due to their intrinsic worth and historical significance.
– Silver (Denarius): Can be quite valuable, especially rare issues or coins in good condition.
– Bronze and Copper (Sestertius, As, Follis, Nummus): Tend to be less valuable unless they are exceptionally rare or well-preserved examples.
- Historical Significance: Coins depicting important emperors (like Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero), significant events, or symbolic themes hold greater value for collectors.
- Authenticity and Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership and proven authenticity will be priced higher than unverified ones.
- Bronze Coins: Can range from under $100 for common, lower-grade examples to potentially tens of thousands for rare and exceptionally preserved pieces like the Nero sestertius.
- Silver Denarii: More common examples can be found for $50-$500, with rarer issues or those in excellent condition fetching thousands. For instance, a Brutus Silver Denarius EID MAR recently sold for $720,000.
- Gold Aurei: Typically start at around $3,000 and can reach six figures or more, especially for rare and historically important coins like the Caligula Gold Aureus which fetched $500,000 in one sale, or the Augustus Gold Aureus which sold for $51,000.
- Identify the Coin: Research the emperor or ruler, the denomination, the images depicted on both sides, and any inscriptions or mint marks.
- Assess the Condition: Use a reliable grading guide to evaluate the coin’s level of wear, preservation, and other characteristics impacting its grade.
- Consult Experts and Resources:
– Coin Dealers: Reputable dealers can provide expertise and appraisals.
– Auction Results: Review recent auction results for comparable coins to get a sense of current market value.
– Numismatic Publications: Reference books and online resources provide detailed information on Roman coins and their values, [like David R. Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values].
– NGC Ancients: The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) provides a professional grading service for ancient coins.
In summary, the price of a Roman coin is a complex calculation influenced by its rarity, condition, metal, historical significance, and authenticity. Due to the vast number and variety of Roman coins, a thorough appraisal by a knowledgeable expert is the most reliable way to determine the value of a specific coin.
How much is a Roman coin worth now?
Prices start as low as a hundred dollars for circulated more common issues, while higher-end rarities can bring five or six figures depending upon their quality and rarity. If you ‘re interested in learning more about Roman coinage, you should request our 8-page Ancient coin report.
Is it legal to buy Roman coins?
Under the original Cultural Property Implementation Act, ancient coins were never contemplated to be included in import restrictions. A little over a decade ago, that line began to get blurred; but even as recently as 2021, no new restrictions were placed on Roman coins.
What makes a Roman coin valuable?
I can help with that. Each coin is graded in order to determine its condition. The better a coin is preserved, the more valuable it is – although this naturally depends on other features like whether the coin is rare and made of gold or bronze.
How do I tell if my Roman coin is real?
Great question! The tools used for engraving in antiquity (among the Romans) gave a particular form to letters. On the authentic coins, we see horizontal pointed lines at the ends of the letters. The letter A will show you both legs with this “sharp” line at the bottom of each leg.