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4 Tips For Collecting Byzantine Coins

15 April 2021

Jimmie Holland

The fall of the Roman Empire gave way to the rise of the Byzantine Empire. Coinage from this time in history has become increasingly more popular among collectors. The age, historic value, and beauty of many Byzantine coins attract all kinds of collectors.

Investing in a coin from the Byzantine Empire gives you the opportunity to own a piece of history. Unfortunately, new collectors often invest in coins that don't have significant value.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for Byzantine coins to add to your own coin collection.

1. Look for Gold Coins

Gold coins were extremely popular throughout the Byzantine Empire. The most recognizable gold coin, known as the gold solidus, was widely accepted by merchants and vendors throughout the then-known world.

The widespread acceptance of the gold solidus coin helped these coins be distributed throughout not only the Byzantine Empire but throughout the surrounding region as well. The value of the gold solidus was established by the government, allowing for a more accurate monetary system to thrive.

Although you can find Byzantine coins struck on silver, copper, and other metals, the gold solidus will always be a worthy addition to your coin collection.

2. Examine the Imagery

The images that are struck on a Byzantine coin can have a significant impact on its value to collectors.

Christianity was the religion of choice throughout the Byzantine Empire. Nearly all coins from this era are struck with religious symbols. Justinian II took religious imagery to the next level by including both himself and Jesus Christ on coins minted during his reign.

You should always examine the imagery on a coin before making a purchase. Finding a coin with the right imagery can help you enhance the value of your collection and ensure you end up with a Byzantine coin that will continue to grow in value over time.

3. Evaluate the Quality of the Design

It's not just the subject matter of the imagery on a coin that can affect value, it's the quality of that imagery that can have a real impact on a coin's worth. Collectors strive to find coins that have clear and concise imagery.

Byzantine coins were made by using a specialized die that could strike an image onto the surface of a blank metal round. Since each coin was produced by hand, the quality of the imagery on Byzantine coins can vary significantly.

You want to invest in a coin where the stamped image is centered on the metal round. Lines within the image should be clean and crisp, and any lettering should be easy to read. The more clear the image is, the more valuable the coin will be.

Learning to recognize a quality stamped image will help you become a more savvy collector of ancient coins in the future.

4. Don't Be Deterred by Devaluations

Ancient coins often tell the artistic, historical, and economic story of the people who relied on them as currency. Many Byzantine coins can be classified as devalued coins, and this can scare some collectors away.

Byzantine emperors began to make small changes to the coins minted under their direction. These changes were designed to save gold so that more coins could be created.

If you find a Byzantine coin made from 22 karat gold instead of 24 karat gold, a gold coin that contains trace elements of silver, or a cupped coin, these are all collectible items that tell the story of the Byzantine coin's fall from favor throughout the rest of the world.

Adding a devalued coin to your collection can enhance the character and value of your collection as a whole.

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