Where to Buy Authentic Ancient Coins Online (Without Getting Scammed)
This guide will show you exactly where to buy authentic ancient coins online safely — from trusted dealers to global auctions — and how to spot the warning signs of fraud before you spend a single cent.
Every new collector remembers that first rush of excitement: scrolling through an online auction and spotting a “Roman Silver Denarius – $39.99, Free Shipping.”
But behind every promising listing lurks a question older than the coins themselves — is it real?
After more than 25 years advising museums and collectors, I’ve seen both sides of the coin (literally). The internet made ancient coins accessible to everyone — but it also opened the gates for fakes, replicas, and misleading sellers.
🏛️ The Golden Rule: Buy the Seller, Not the Coin
Before you fall in love with a coin’s patina or portrait, research the person selling it.
Reputation in numismatics is everything.
Checklist for vetting online sellers:
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✅ Longevity: Has the business existed for 5+ years?
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✅ Credentials: Member of ANA (American Numismatic Association), BNTA (British Numismatic Trade Association), or IAPN.
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✅ Transparency: Clear photos, weight, diameter, and return policy.
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✅ Guarantee: Lifetime authenticity guarantee = minimum standard.
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✅ Feedback: eBay Power Seller or > 99 % positive feedback on reviews.
🏆 The Most Trusted Places to Buy Ancient Coins Online (2025 Edition)
1️⃣ VCoins – The Collector’s Marketplace
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Website: vcoins.com
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Why it’s trusted: VCoins requires every dealer to adhere to the VCoins Code of Ethics and offer lifetime guarantees.
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Coins found: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Celtic, and medieval.
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Best for: Mid-range collectors seeking certified dealers.
2️⃣ CNG (Coin & Currency Group / Classical Numismatic Group)
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Website: cngcoins.com
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Specialty: High-grade Greek and Roman coins with academic-level descriptions.
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Bonus: Detailed archived sales — a goldmine for price research.
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Best for: Serious collectors and museum buyers.
3️⃣ MA-Shops – The European Marketplace
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Website: mashops.com
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Overview: Aggregator of hundreds of vetted European dealers.
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Currency support: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD.
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Safety: All transactions insured by PayPal Buyer Protection.
4️⃣ NumisBids & Sixbid – Global Auction Platforms
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Websites: numisbids.com / sixbid.com
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What they offer: Live and upcoming auctions from heritage houses like Roma Numismatics, Künker, and NAC Zurich.
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Why it matters: Public auction records authenticate market value and provenance.
5️⃣ Heritage Auctions (HA.com)
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Website: ha.com
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Focus: Certified coins, ancient to modern.
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Highlights: Transparent bidding, grades verified by NGC or PCGS.
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Best for: Investors seeking top-tier pieces ($1,000 +).
6️⃣ eBay – Proceed with Caution
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Pros: Massive selection, occasional bargains.
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Cons: High volume of replicas and mislabelled items.
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Tip: Filter for “Authenticity Verified” and cross-check seller names on Forum Ancient Coins.
🔎 Signs of Fake or Misrepresented Coins
| Red Flag | Why It Matters | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Too Cheap to Be True | Authentic ancient coins rarely cost less than $20. | Cross-verify with Numista price ranges. |
| No Weight or Diameter | Missing metrics often hide casts or forgeries. | Ask for specifications before purchase. |
| Glossy Surface | Ancient coins should show natural oxidation or toning. | Compare patina with authenticated examples. |
| Stock Photos | Same image used across listings = fake inventory. | Demand actual photos of the coin you’ll receive. |
| No Return Policy | Legit dealers always offer returns. | Walk away. |
🧾 Authentication and Certification
When buying online, look for coins graded or authenticated by:
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NGC Ancients (Numismatic Guaranty Company) – provides certified slabs with grade and authenticity notes.
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PCGS Ancients – recognized mainly for Roman and Greek issues.
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ICG or ANACS – secondary grading services for budget coins.
📦 Pro Tip: A graded coin costs ~ $40 more but resells 30–50 % faster and safer online.
🌍 Regional Options for Collectors
| Region | Trusted Dealer Example | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | Apmex Ancient Coins – apmex.com | Gold & silver investment coins |
| UK / Europe | London Ancient Coins – londonancientcoins.com | Greek & Roman hoards |
| Australia | Carlson & Sullivan Numismatics | Byzantine and Roman provincials |
| Israel / Middle East | David Connors Ancient Coins – specialist in Judean and biblical issues | Archaeological provenance sales |
🧠 How to Avoid Online Scams
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Use Secure Payment Methods – PayPal Goods & Services or credit card only.
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Never Wire Money or Crypto.
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Request High-Resolution Photos. Obverse, reverse, edge.
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Ask for Provenance. Where and when was the coin acquired?
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Join Collector Communities like Forum Ancient Coins or r/AncientCoins on Reddit. Members regularly review sellers and flag fakes.
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Save Invoices and Emails. They protect your rights if you need a refund or prove ownership.
📚 Best Books and Resources for Reference
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Roman Coins and Their Values by David R. Sear
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Greek Coins and Their Types by Ian Carradice
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100 Greatest Ancient Coins by Harlan J. Berk
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Numista Database – global catalogue with images and values.
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WildWinds Ancient Coins Archive – die matches and reference images for authentication.
🧩 Internal Links for NumisDon
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How to Clean Ancient Coins Safely
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Are Ancient Coins a Good Investment in 2025?
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Collecting Ancient Coins for Beginners
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Ancient Coins Auction Tracker (NumisDon Archive)
💡 FAQs – Buying Ancient Coins Online
Q 1. Are ancient coins legal to own?
Yes, ancient coins are legal to buy and sell worldwide if they were exported legally and aren’t stolen artifacts.
Q 2. What is the average price for a genuine ancient coin?
Expect $30–$80 for common bronze coins, $150–$500 for silver denarii or Greek drachms, and $1 000 + for gold solidus.
Q 3. How can I be sure my coin is authentic?
Buy only from dealers with a lifetime guarantee or submit to NGC Ancients for grading.
Q 4. Should I buy uncleaned coin lots on eBay?
Only for fun and practice. They rarely contain valuable specimens.
Q 5. Is it better to buy graded or raw coins?
Graded coins offer security; raw coins offer discovery. Beginners should start with graded examples.
🏺 Conclusion – Trust and Patience Are Your Best Investments
Buying authentic ancient coins online isn’t a gamble when you know where to look. Patience, research, and respect for reputation turn you from a buyer into a collector.
As I often tell my students: anyone can own a coin, but a true collector owns its story.
Let each purchase teach you something about civilization — and let NumisDon be your map on that journey.
Author: Dr. Elena Voss – Numismatist & Consultant for Sotheby’s Coin Auctions
