Identify Ancient Coins: A Collector’s Guide to Roman, Greek, Illyrian & Byzantine Coins

So, identify Ancient coins is not easy, but have you ever found a strange old coin and thought, “What is this? Is it even real?” That’s how most collectors start. You’re holding a piece of history, but at first glance, it’s just a small, worn disc with weird symbols and a worn-out face.

Identifying ancient coins isn’t just a skill—it’s a thrill. And if you’re just starting out, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the basics step by step, just like we do when helping new collectors figure out what they’ve found.

🧭 So Where Do You Start?

Honestly, it can feel overwhelming. But take a breath — all great discoveries start with curiosity.

1. Flip the Coin to the Front (The Obverse)

This side usually has the portrait — and if you’re lucky, a clear one. Could be a Roman emperor, a Greek god, or a Byzantine ruler staring back at you.

Here’s what you should notice:

  • The face: Young? Bearded? Crowned?

  • Headgear: Helmet, wreath, diadem?

  • Inscriptions: Look around the edges — even partial words can help.

💡 I once saw a coin with “TRAIA…” and thought it was Trajan. Turned out to be Traianus Decius. Close, but a century off. The details matter.

2. Check the Back (The Reverse)

Turn it over and things get even more interesting. Some backs are packed with gods, temples, and symbols. Others? Just a faded line and a dot. That’s okay too.

Typical things to spot:

  • Figures: Nike with wings, Mars in armor

  • Objects: Altars, animals, war trophies

  • Letters: SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus), SC (Senate’s approval), Christian crosses on Byzantine coins

Even if it’s worn, shape and layout give you clues.

3. Feel the Coin — Literally

I always tell people to trust their fingers. Old coins feel different. They’re heavy, cool, and dense in a way modern coins just aren’t.

Try this quick check:

Metal Common Coins Feel
Silver Denarius, Drachma Cool, solid, medium weight
Bronze Follis, Sestertius Heavy, duller color & texture
Gold Aureus, Solidus Light, bright, almost slick
Electrum Early Greek Coins Yellowish, uneven texture

A scale and caliper help. But if you’re just starting, even your senses will guide you.

4. Tiny Symbols Tell Big Stories (Mint Marks)

Most people miss these. I did too, at first. But tiny letters—sometimes just 2 or 3—can tell you exactly where a coin was minted.

Examples:

  • ANT = Antioch (modern-day Turkey)

  • ROMA = Rome

  • CON = Constantinople

They’re usually tucked into corners or below the main design. Squint, tilt the coin, use a magnifier — they’re often hiding in plain sight.

🔍 Break It Down by Civilization

🥇 Roman Coins

What to look for:

  • Latin legends: IMP, AVG, COS

  • Portraits: Emperors (usually profile view)

  • Scenes: Military, gods, captives, or architecture

🔗 Full Roman Coin ID Guide »

🏛️ Greek CoinsIdentify Ancient Coins

These are some of the most artistic coins ever made.

  • Greek text (sometimes in local dialects)

  • Iconic imagery: Athena, Zeus, dolphins, owls

  • Intricate reverse patterns and deep relief

🔗 Read: Identifying Ancient Greek Coins

🏹 Illyrian Coins

Often overlooked, but absolutely fascinating.

  • Minted in Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Scodra

  • Common designs: Cow & calf, thunderbolts, tripods

  • Less refined than Greek coins, but rich in local symbolism

🔗 Explore Illyrian Coins »

✝️ Byzantine Coins

These shift from pagan deities to Christian themes.

  • Crosses, Chi-Rho, Greek letters

  • Full-face emperor portraits (not side view like Roman)

  • Often crude in design — but heavy with meaning

🔗 Byzantine Coin ID Guide »

🧰 Tools We Actually Use

Every collector ends up with a little kit — even if they start with a magnifying glass from the kitchen drawer.

Here’s what I personally recommend:

  • 🧲 Digital caliper — for exact diameter

  • ⚖️ Small digital scale — weight is key

  • 🔍 10x or 15x magnifier — essential

  • 📚 Books — start with David Sear’s Roman Coins or Greek Coins and Their Values

Don’t stress about getting everything at once. Start small. Build your tools as your passion grows.

🎁 Free PDF: Ancient Coin ID Chart

Want a printable reference for your desk or collecting kit?

It includes:

  • Coin types by metal

  • Common legends and mint marks

  • Portrait clues by civilization

  • Fake coin red flags

👉 [Click here to download it full guide of Identify Ancient Coins]

🔗 More Handy Guides:

📸 Not Sure What You’ve Got?

I’ve seen coins submitted on a napkin with a phone flashlight — and still managed to ID it.

Take a clear photo. Front and back. No flash.

Then 👉 [Identify Ancient Coins]
Or 👉 [Join the Numis Don Collector’s Club] — you’ll get tips, downloads, and early access to new tools.

💬 Final Thought

Every collector starts the same way — curious, confused, and kind of obsessed. The good news? That feeling never really goes away.

Whether your coin is a $5 bronze or a $5,000 gold solidus, it’s part of a bigger story. One that you now get to uncover.

So go ahead. Flip that coin over and start to Identify Ancient Coins now. Let’s see what have you learned.