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Some of the oldest and most expensive ancient coins in the world are the Biblical coins, Byzantine coins, Colonial coins, Greek coins and Roman coins---available from many different eras and early civilizations. Generally more expensive than other collectable coins, these ancient coins need a certain level of appreciation and sheer knowledge to properly purchase and collect them through auction houses and online coin websites.

Unique markings of ancient coins

Coins that are from the 7th century BC to the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD are called ancient coins, designed with several deformities. One major flaw is that the circumference of the ancient coin is not that of a perfect circle as in the modern coin. Another flaw is that the ancient coin does not have uniform thickness and is not very smooth to touch, at least until the development of the ancient Byzantine coin. But the incredible creative artistry and workmanship will always be depicted on one side of the ancient coin while the other side has a rough feel to it.

What is fascinating about ancient coins is that writings on them are only in Arabic, Greek and Latin---considered the most common spoken languages of these ancient times. However, other countries did not write but spoke in language only---France, England, Spain, Italy and Portugal---to name a few. Dates were not placed on these ancient coins, a practice done today, or placed on fake ancient coins to scam innocent buyers.

Time-line of the ancient coins

Greek

Ancient Greek coins were struck with Greek's finest engravers with the greatest artistic talents of the area. Depending on the engraver, excellent coin dies were signed by certain master engravers. As Alexander the Great traveled through his conquered lands, he spread the ancient coins of his empire with many of his rulers unknown to history except for their portraits on these ancient coins.

Roman coins

Imperial families of the Roman Empire were heavily depicted on the ancient coins of this famous era, at a time when realistic artistic portraiture was at its best. History shows us that ancient Roman coins were also used as political propaganda, with the reverse side of the Roman coin commemorating the Emperor's victories and virtues. Many ancient coins were struck with famous Roman architecture, such as the Circus Maximus and the Coliseum.

Byzantine coins

The beginning of the Medieval Age from 307 to 337 AD saw the political force of Christianity and the Christian Church beginning to strengthen. The solidus, or the standard Byzantine gold coin, was struck and issued for approximately 1,000 years at this time---demonstrating a fineness of gold and consistent weight not seen before in ancient coins. Still available today, the Byzantine gold coin can be purchased for around $350 as a starting base fee.

Biblical coins

The Biblical ancient coins were struck during the ancient Judean reign, from 400 to 333 BC of the Persian period. The ancient coins of this era represented the majority of Judeo-Christian religions with many kings and cities of the Bible appearing on them. Ancient Biblical coins from this period are still available at a fair price from the time of Jesus Christ and his Apostles. Coins from St. Paul's travels in the ancient world to preach Christ's gospel are also available from this era at decent prices.

Colonial coins

When the American colonies started up money was an issue, as England not only refused to supply them with adequate coins but prevented them from making their own. Even those who did have European coins spent it for supplies coming from England. Coins during the early days consisted of bartering or the Indian currency (tobacco, nails or wampum).