Roman Emperors Starter Collection (Part I)

We've created this follow up collection especially for those of you who purchased the first starter collection. This second part of the collection features coins with the portrait of Gallienus (253–268 AD), Constans I (337–350 AD), and Valentinian I (west, 364–375 AD). Like the first collection, these coins are at least 1640 years old, each coin comes in nice collectable condition, clearly identifiable with a well-defined portrait of the emperor who issued it. And of course, just like the first one, they come with an information sheet with a short history of the emperor, to help you study and fully immerse in the history of the Roman Empire. Well, what are you waiting for? Add to your recent collection and continue learning ancient history while collecting coins! The coins are not mounted onto the cards, they are supplied in individual envelopes marked with the emperors name.

Get the best book for beginners in Roman Coins, many collectors have started identifying Roman Coins using this book! It is a step by step guide teaching basic techniques to be able to identify the time period and denomination with clear illustrations.

Probus became emperor in AD 276 after overthrowing the emperor Florianus. A native of the city of Sirmium in what is now Serbia, he rose to prominence and proved himself a capable administrator and commander and is recognised as an emperor who contributed to the revival of the Roman Empire at a time of severe turmoil and crisis. In AD 277/8 his armies defeated the Goths, Alamanni, Longiones, Franks, and Burgundians. He realised that the best way to keep his soldiers out of trouble was to keep them busy so, with the frontiers of the empire stabilised, he set his men to the task of rebuilding the shattered infrastructure of key provinces that had crumbled under previous emperors by building roads, bridges and fortifications, draining marshes, digging canals and, interestingly, planting extensive vineyards. New plantations sprang up across Europe and there is mention in some records of Probus authorising the planting of vineyards in Britain too so we may still be enjoying the fruits of his labours today! These Antoninianus, or ‘Ants’ as we call them, are as good as they come, virtually as struck and with original lustre. The reverses will be of our choice, and there are a variety of reverse types available most with standing figures but a limited number available in this grade.

Born of humble origin around A.D. 245 in Dalmatia near Split, Diocletian bought order to the Roman world after nearly 60 years of chaos. Like many of his predecessors, he had a military career, rising through the ranks to high command. Following the murder of the emperor Numerian, Diocletian was proclaimed emperor by his troops. Then the defeat of Carinus (brother of Numerian) left Diocletian in undisputed control of the Empire. Having realised the empire was too big for one person alone he quickly appointed an old army colleague, Maximian, as co-emperor. He also settled the problem of succession by the appointment of two junior Caesars, one for himself and Maximian. Diocletian spent much of his reign campaigning against Rome’s enemies on the Danube frontier, in North Africa, Egypt and Syria. Although there were Christians at all levels of society at this time, Diocletian worshipped the old Roman gods and was responsible for A savage persecution of Christians. Diocletian was a prolific builder and did much to overhaul the tax system and reform the coinage in an attempt to counter inflation. He abdicated in A.D. 305 and retired to his palace in Split. He died there in A.D. 311 a broken man, having watched his reforms trampled to death by the likes of Constantine the Great and Licinius. The coins we offer here are Billon Antoninianus in Extremely Fine condition with various reverses

Constantine the Great 307-337 AD - treasure trove roman bronze coin with London Mint Mark. On the 22nd of March 1970, a hoard of choice Constantinian Roman bronze coins was found in a field adjoining the Fosse Way, near Bourton-on-the-Water. The locals called the area the ‘Money Ground’ because so many Roman coins were found there over the years. This time they found the ultimate source, what had been an original sack of coins hidden almost 1,700 years ago. Correctly, the hoard was handed in and declared as Treasure Trove. We are thankful to David W. Burge for his excellent article about this hoard, in the Numismatic Chronicle of 1973. It tells you everything you would want to know about the hoard. There were 3,292 coins, all bronze, of which 1,802 were struck in London.

Septimius Severus was Roman Emperor from AD 193-211. In AD 208 he travelled to Britain to strengthen Hadrian’s Wall and went on to invade Scotland that same year but his plans were cut short when he became ill and died in York in AD 211. We have a few silver denarius in Very Fine Condition minted during his reign. There are different types but all have his portrait on the obverse, and usually a standing or seated figure on the reverse. PHOTOGRAPH IS REPRESENTATIVE OF COIN SUPPLIED.