How to Identify Ancient Coins: Complete Guide

Roman, Greek, Illyrian, Byzantine & More – Your Universal Identification System

Universal System Step-by-Step Methods Fake Protection
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WHAT DOES "IDENTIFY AN ANCIENT COIN" MEAN?

Understanding the core questions of ancient coin identification

The Five Core Identification Questions

Ancient coin identification isn't just about naming a coinβ€”it's about systematically answering these five essential questions that every collector needs to know.

1

Culture & Authority

Greek? Roman? Byzantine? Illyrian?
The first and most fundamental classification that determines everything else about your identification approach.

2

Denomination

Denarius? Drachm? Follis? Sestertius?
Understanding the coin's place in its monetary system, which affects size, weight, and value.

3

Date Range

Century? Reign? Specific Year?
Establishing historical contextβ€”even approximate dating (e.g., "3rd century AD") is a crucial identification step.

4

Mint & Region

Where was it made?
Identifying the mint city or region through marks, symbols, or stylistic clues.

5

Type & Design

Portrait + Reverse Design + Legend Formula
The specific combination of obverse and reverse elements that defines the coin's issue.

Why Ancient Coins Are Harder Than Modern

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Worn Legends

Centuries of circulation often erase crucial inscriptions, leaving only fragments or outlines.

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Multiple Languages

Latin, Greek, sometimes both on same coin (Byzantine). Reading requires alphabet recognition.

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Many Mints

Hundreds of cities issued coins in Greek world; dozens of mints operated simultaneously in Roman Empire.

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Unofficial Issues

Barbarous radiates, imitative coinage, local civic issues complicate attribution.

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Our Promise: You Don't Need to Be an Expert

You need a method. This guide provides a universal, step-by-step system that works whether you're holding a Roman denarius, Greek drachm, Illyrian stater, or Byzantine follis. Follow the system, and you'll identify most ancient coins.

Start With Your Coin Type

Roman Coin Identification Greek Coin Identification Illyrian Coin Identification Byzantine Coin Identification
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THE ANCIENT COIN QUICK START (60-SECOND SORTING TEST)

Four visual tests to classify your coin in under a minute

Before You Dive Deep: The 60-Second Sorting Test

Use these four quick tests to get an immediate classification. They won't give you the exact attribution, but they'll tell you which identification workflow to follow next.

1

Metal Test

15 seconds
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Gold (AV)

Likely: High value imperial/royal issues
Action: DO NOT CLEAN
Common: Roman aureus, Byzantine solidus, Hellenistic staters

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Silver (AR)

Likely: Common collector coins
Action: Handle carefully
Common: Denarius, drachm, shekel, dirham

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Bronze/Copper (AE)

Likely: Most found coins
Action: Check for green corrosion
Common: Sestertius, follis, assaria, civic bronzes

2

Portrait vs No Portrait

10 seconds
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Imperial Portrait

Likely: Roman imperial, Byzantine, Hellenistic royal
Look for: Laurel wreath, diadem, radiate crown
Next: Go to Roman workflow

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No Portrait / Symbolic

Likely: Greek civic, early Roman, Celtic, some Byzantine
Look for: Gods, animals, civic symbols
Next: Check legend language

3

Legend Language Test

20 seconds
IMP CAES AVG
Latin Letters

Key letters: IMP, CAES, AVG, P M, TR P, COS
Likely: Roman Imperial
Certainty: 95% Roman if these abbreviations appear

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ Ξ”Ξ—ΞœΞ—Ξ€Ξ‘Ξ™ΞŸΞ₯
Greek Letters

Key letters: Ξ’, Ξ”, Ξ—, Ξ£, Ξ© (especially ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ)
Likely: Greek, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Illyrian
Note: Greek used across multiple cultures

Ω†Ψ΅ عربي
Arabic Text

Appearance: Flowing script, often in circles
Likely: Islamic medieval coinage
Action: Go to Islamic guide

4

Shape & Fabric Test

15 seconds
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Thick Bronze with Big "M"

Likely: Byzantine follis (40 nummi)
Look for: M, K, I, E denomination marks
Action: Go to follis guide

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Large Bronze with "S C"

Likely: Roman sestertius/dupondius/as
Look for: S C (Senatus Consulto) on reverse
Action: Go to Roman bronze identification

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Thin Broad Silver

Likely: Greek tetradrachm or civic silver
Look for: High artistic quality, broad flan
Action: Go to Greek workflow

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Small Irregular Flan

Likely: Medieval hammered coinage
Look for: Irregular shape, crude striking
Action: Go to medieval guide

Quick Start Decision Tree

Portrait with Latin legend?
YES β†’ Roman Imperial β†’ Roman Workflow
NO β†’ Next question
Greek legend with city symbol?
YES β†’ Greek Civic β†’ Greek Workflow
NO β†’ Next question
Christ/Cross + Greek legend?
YES β†’ Byzantine β†’ Byzantine Workflow
NO β†’ Next question
Greek legend but Balkan style?
YES β†’ Illyrian β†’ Illyrian Workflow
NO β†’ Check Other Categories
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THE 10 DATA POINTS YOU MUST RECORD

Your universal checklist for any ancient coin identification

The Foundation of Systematic Identification

This checklist works for every ancient coin culture. Record these 10 data points, and you'll have 90% of what you need for identificationβ€”whether you're working with Roman, Greek, Illyrian, or Byzantine coins.

1
Material

Record as: AV (gold), AR (silver), AE (bronze/copper), EL (electrum)
Why: Determines denomination family and value range immediately
Tip: Use magnet test for base metal vs silver

2
Weight

Record as: __.__ g (two decimal precision)
Why: Single most important diagnostic for Greek coins; critical for all
Tip: Use 0.01g precision scale; compare to known standards

3
Diameter

Record as: __ mm (maximum diameter)
Why: Helps with denomination identification, especially Roman bronzes
Tip: Measure across widest point; worn coins may be smaller

4
Axis

Record as: ↑↑ (12:00) or with clock positions
Why: Diagnostic for some series (Roman: stable; Greek: variable)
Tip: Optional but useful for advanced attribution

5
Obverse Legend

Record as: Exactly as seen, even partial (e.g., "IMP C..." or "ΒΑΣΙ...")
Why: Names emperor, ruler, or city; most important for Roman ID
Tip: Transcribe ALL visible letters in order

6
Reverse Legend

Record as: Complete transcription, including abbreviations
Why: Contains mint marks, titles, religious formulas
Tip: Look especially in exergue (bottom section)

7
Obverse Type

Record as: Portrait description or symbolic type
Examples: "Laureate bust right" / "Athena helmeted left"
Tip: Note direction (right/left), attributes, style

8
Reverse Type

Record as: Deity, animal, building, or symbol description
Examples: "Eagle standing on thunderbolt" / "Victory advancing left"
Tip: Note all elements, including field marks

9
Mint Mark / Mint Name

Record as: Exergue letters, field marks, monograms
Where to look: Bottom (exergue), beside main design, in fields
Tip: Draw complex monograms for later matching

10
Estimated Date Range

Record as: Century or reign if known (e.g., "3rd cent AD" or "Constantine I")
Why: Historical context helps narrow possibilities
Tip: Start broad; refine as you identify more details

Your Ancient Coin Identification Form

This satisfies your required format: legend + mint + weight + material + diameter + date + more

Download printable identification worksheets:

Printable Identification Worksheets
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LEARN THE COIN ANATOMY

Understanding obverse, reverse, fields, exergue - and why it matters

The Language of Coin Description

Every ancient coin has specific parts with specific names. Knowing these terms isn't just academicβ€”it tells you where to look for crucial identification clues.

Obverse Legend (Imperial Titles)
Portrait Bust
Left Field
Right Field
Border/Periphery
Reverse Legend
Main Type (Deity/Animal)
Field Symbol
EXERGUE (Mint Marks Here)
Border

Anatomy Key Points

Exergue: Bottom section below line - MINT MARKS LIVE HERE
Fields: Empty spaces around main design - control marks, symbols
Legend: Text rings - read clockwise from top

Essential Anatomy Terms & Their Importance

Obverse (Front)

Usually: Portrait side (Roman/Byzantine) or main civic symbol (Greek)

Contains: Ruler's name and titles (most important for Roman ID)

Look for: Laureate vs. radiate crown, diadem, helmet style

Reverse (Back)

Usually: Religious, military, or propaganda message

Contains: Mint marks (exergue), control symbols (fields)

Look for: Full legend including abbreviations

Fields

Location: Left/right/above/below main design

Contains: Control marks, monograms, mint symbols

Importance: Critical for Greek and late Roman attribution

Exergue

Location: Bottom section, often below a ground line

Contains: MINT MARKS (city abbreviations, officina letters)

Rule: ALWAYS check exergue first on Roman/Byzantine coins

How Anatomy Knowledge Makes Identification Easier

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Predictable Locations

Mint marks live in exergue; control symbols in fields; legends around edges. Know where to look.

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Searchable Fragments

"Exergue: CONOB" immediately suggests Constantinople mint gold solidus.

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Better Description

"Monogram in left field" is searchable; "some marks on left" is not.

Anatomy Practice: Where to Look on Different Coins

Roman Imperial
  • Obverse: Imperial titles around portrait
  • Reverse: Exergue for mint marks (ANT, CON, etc.)
  • Fields: SC for senatorial bronzes
  • Edge: Rarely has marks
Greek Civic
  • Obverse: City ethnic around main design
  • Reverse: Monograms in fields
  • Exergue: Often empty or has magistrate names
  • Edge: Test cuts sometimes present
Byzantine Follis
  • Obverse: Imperial portrait with short legend
  • Reverse: Large M/K/I/E denomination marks
  • Exergue: Mint abbreviation (CON, NIK, etc.)
  • Fields: Officina letters (A, B, Ξ“, etc.)
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HOW TO READ LEGENDS (THE CORE SKILL)

Decoding Latin and Greek inscriptions without knowing the languages

The Single Most Important Identification Skill

Legend reading separates novice collectors from competent identifiers. You don't need to read classical languagesβ€”you need to recognize patterns, abbreviations, and key words.

5A) Latin Legend Basics (Roman Imperial)

The Roman Imperial Title Formula

Roman legends follow predictable patterns of imperial titles and honors.

Essential Latin Abbreviations
IMP
Imperator
Commander, Emperor
CAES
Caesar
Heir, subordinate emperor
AVG
Augustus
Senior emperor
P M
Pontifex Maximus
Chief priest
TR P
Tribunicia Potestas
Tribunician power (dates reign)
COS
Consul
Consulship number dates reign
P P
Pater Patriae
Father of the Country
How to Expand and Date from Legends
IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIAN AVG

IMP CAES: Emperor Caesar
TRAIAN: Family name (Trajanic)
HADRIAN: Personal name
AVG: Augustus (senior emperor)

Result: Hadrian, reign 117-138 AD

IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG

IMP: Imperator
CONSTANTINVS: Constantine
P F: Pius Felix (Dutiful and Fortunate)
AVG: Augustus

Result: Constantine I, early 4th century

Complete Roman Coin Guide

5B) Greek Legend Basics (Greek + Byzantine + Illyrian)

The Two Greek Legend Systems

Greek legends either identify rulers (king formula) or cities (ethnic formula).

Essential Greek Words & Endings
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
"Of the King"
Royal coinage marker
-ΟΞ₯
Genitive ending
"Of [name]"
-ΩΝ
Plural ending
"Of the [people]"
Ξ‘Ξ›Ξ•ΞžΞ‘ΞΞ”Ξ‘ΞŸΞ₯
"Of Alexander"
Most common royal name
King Formula vs. City Ethnic
Royal Coinage
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ Ξ‘Ξ›Ξ•ΞžΞ‘ΞΞ”Ξ‘ΞŸΞ₯

Formula: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ + Ruler's Name (genitive)
Meaning: "(Coin) of King Alexander"
Examples: All Hellenistic kingdoms, some Illyrian kings

City Coinage
Ξ‘Ξ˜Ξ—ΞΞ‘Ξ™Ξ©Ξ

Formula: City Name + -ΩΝ (genitive plural)
Meaning: "(Coin) of the Athenians"
Examples: Most Greek city-states, Illyrian cities

Dealing with Monograms
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Draw Them

Even a rough sketch of monogram helps matching in reference books.

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Note Position

Record exact location (left field, below type, in exergue).

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Combine with Type

Monogram + symbol combination often unique to specific issues.

Greek Coin Legends Explained Greek Coins Complete Guide Illyrian Coins Complete Guide

5C) When Legends Are Missing or Illegible

Many ancient coins have partial or completely missing legends due to wear, poor striking, or flan defects. Here's how to identify them anyway.

Identification Without Legends
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Portrait Style Analysis

Roman: Compare hairstyle, beard style, crown type
Hellenistic: Portrait style (realistic vs idealized)
Byzantine: Christ types, imperial insignia

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Denomination Marks

Roman: SC (senatorial bronze), radiate crown (antoninianus)
Byzantine: M/K/I/E (follis denominations)
Greek: Weight is primary denomination indicator

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Reverse Type Matching

Common Types: Eagle (Zeus), owl (Athena), wolf (Rome)
Style: Artistic quality, engraving style
Combinations: Obverse+reverse type pairs often unique

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Mint Mark Patterns

Location: Exergue patterns even if letters unclear
Shapes: Mint mark shapes (crescent, star, etc.)
Combinations: Multiple mint marks = specific period

Working with Legend Fragments
1
Transcribe All Visible Letters

Even single letters in correct order: "…AVG…" suggests Augustus title.

2
Count Spaces

"IMP [gap] CAES" suggests missing name between IMP and CAES.

3
Match Letter Shapes

Partial "ANT" could be ANTONINVS, ANTONIVS, or Antioch mint.

4
Use Context

Greek legend fragment + owl = almost certainly Athenian.

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ROMAN COIN IDENTIFICATION WORKFLOW

Beginner β†’ Advanced: A systematic method for Roman imperial coins

The Roman Coin Identification Method

This six-step workflow will identify most Roman imperial coins. Follow in orderβ€”each step builds on the previous.

1
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Confirm Metal & Size

Silver Denarius Family

Weight: ~3-4g (denarius), ~4-5g (antoninianus)
Diameter: 18-22mm
Key: Look for radiate crown on antoninianus

Bronze Sestertius Family

Weight: ~20-28g (sestertius), ~10-15g (dupondius/as)
Diameter: 25-35mm (sestertius), 20-28mm (dupondius/as)
Key: Look for SC on reverse

Gold Aureus

Weight: ~7-8g
Diameter: 19-22mm
Key: High value, often well-preserved

2
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Read Obverse Legend for Emperor Name

IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG

Emperor: Vespasian
Reign: 69-79 AD
Note: Simple imperial title formula

IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Emperor: Probus
Reign: 276-282 AD
Note: Longer formula with multiple titles

Name Recognition Tips
  • AVRELIVS: Marcus Aurelius or later Aurelians
  • CONSTANTINVS: Constantine I or sons
  • VALERIANVS: Valerian or family members
  • IVLIANVS: Julian the Apostate
3
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Read Titles for Timeframe Clues

Tribunician Power (TR P)

Format: TR P II, TR P XII, etc.
Meaning: Years of reign
Example: TR P XII = 12th year of reign

Consulship (COS)

Format: COS II, COS III, etc.
Meaning: Number of consulships
Use: Dates specific issues within reign

Imperator (IMP)

Format: IMP II, IMP VIII, etc.
Meaning: Acclamation as imperator
Note: Less precise but still useful

Dating from Titles

Early Empire: Titles often include TR P and COS numbers
Late Empire: Simpler titles, focus on mint marks instead
Crisis Period: Titles may be abbreviated or omitted

4
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Identify Reverse Type

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Deities & Personifications

Common: Jupiter, Minerva, Victoria, Roma
Look for: Attributes (thunderbolt, owl, wreath)
Example: "VIRTVS AVG" with Virtus standing

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Military Themes

Common: Soldier, captive, trophy
Look for: Weapons, armor, bound captives
Example: "FIDES EXERCITVS" with standards

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Buildings & Monuments

Common: Temples, arches, altars
Look for: Architectural details
Example: "AED DIVI AVG" with temple

Reverse Legend Clues

Abbreviations: PM TR P COS PP (standard titles repeated)
Slogans: PAX AVGVSTI, PROVIDENTIAE AVGG
Commemorations: VOTIS X ET XX (vows for reign)

5
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Check Mint Marks (Especially Later Bronzes)

Major Western Mints

Rome: R, ROM, ROMA
Lugdunum: L, LVG, LVGD
Trier: TR, TRE, TRP
Arles: A, AR, ARL

Major Eastern Mints

Antioch: ANT, AN, ANTOB
Alexandria: ALE, ALEX
Constantinople: CON, CONS
Nicomedia: NIK, NIC

Late Roman Mint Mark System
TRPΒ·

T R: Trier mint
P: First officina (workshop)
Β·: Separator (often dot or star)

SMANTΞ”

SM: Sacra Moneta (Sacred Mint)
ANT: Antioch
Ξ”: Fourth officina

6
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Confirm with Weight/Diameter Expectations

Roman Imperial Weight/Diameter Standards
Denomination Period Weight Diameter Key Features
Aureus Early Empire 7.8g 19-21mm High relief, pure gold
Denarius Republican-Early Imperial 3.5-4g 18-20mm High silver, later debased
Antoninianus 3rd Century 4-5g 20-23mm Radiate crown, billon silver
Sestertius Early-Mid Empire 25-28g 30-35mm Orichalcum, SC on reverse
Follis Diocletian Reform 8-12g 25-28mm Large bronze, GENIO pop ROM
Red Flags for Mismatch
  • Too light: Ancient forgery or severe wear
  • Wrong size: Misidentified denomination
  • Metal mismatch: Plated contemporary copy
  • Style mismatch: Possible modern fake

Roman Coin Micro-Guides

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Identifying Roman Bronzes

S C coins: Sestertius, dupondius, as family
Late Roman bronzes: Follis, centenionalis, AE3/AE4
Key: Size, weight, mint marks, style period

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Identifying Antoninianus

Key feature: Radiate crown on portrait
Period: 3rd century crisis (215-294 AD)
Silver content: Declines over time (billon)

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Late Roman Mint Marks

System: SM/P/β€’/Ξ” format
Major mints: TR, CON, ANT, AQ, etc.
Dating: Mint sequences help date within reign

For complete Roman coin identification:

Roman Coins Complete Guide Roman Coin Identification Guide
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VALUES: WHEN AN ANCIENT COIN IS WORTH REAL MONEY

Understanding ancient coin valuation and what makes some coins valuable

The Five Value Drivers of Ancient Coins

Ancient coin values range from $10 for common bronzes to millions for exceptional rarities. Understanding these five factors helps you recognize value.

1

Authenticity

Rule #1: Fake coins have zero collector value (only melt value if precious metal).
Impact: Authentication is the foundation of all value.
Check: Weight, style, surfaces, edge must be consistent with period.

2

Rarity

Scale: Common β†’ Rare β†’ Very Rare β†’ Extremely Rare β†’ Unique
Factors: Short reign, limited issue, specific mint, special type
Example: Common: Constantine I follis; Rare: specific Brutus denarius

3

Metal & Weight

Precious Metal: Gold/silver have intrinsic value plus numismatic premium
Bronze: Numismatic value only (no significant metal value)
Weight Matters: Full vs light weight affects value significantly

4

Condition

Grading Scale: Poor β†’ Fair β†’ Good β†’ Very Good β†’ Fine β†’ Very Fine β†’ Extremely Fine β†’ About Uncirculated β†’ Uncirculated
Key: Wear on highest points, detail preservation, centering
Reality: Most ancient coins are Good-VF; EF+ is rare and valuable

5

Historical Demand

Popular Emperors: Julius Caesar, Nero, Constantine command premiums
Key Types: "EID MAR" Brutus, Athenian owls, Alexander tetradrachms
Market Trends: Some periods/types become fashionable

The "Found Coin" Reality Check

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Most Found Coins Are Common Bronzes

The vast majority of ancient coins found by detectorists or inherited are common late Roman or Byzantine bronzes worth $10-$100. Exceptions exist but are statistically rare.

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But Some ARE Valuable

Gold coins, well-preserved silver, rare types, and coins of famous rulers can be worth thousands or more. Don't assume all ancient coins are equally valuable or equally common.

What to Do If You Suspect High Value

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1. DO NOT CLEAN

Cleaning almost always reduces value. Professional conservation is different, but amateur cleaning destroys surfaces and patina.

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2. Weigh & Measure Precisely

Record weight to 0.01g, diameter in mm. These are the first questions any expert will ask.

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3. Take Clear Photos

Both sides, edge, good lighting, scale reference. Multiple angles if there are doubts about authenticity.

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4. Compare to Known Types

Use reference works, online databases, auction archives to find matching types and recent sale prices.

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5. Consider Professional Authentication

For potentially high-value coins (>$1,000), professional authentication and grading may be worth the cost.

For detailed valuation guidance:

Ancient Coin Values Guide

Ready to Identify Your Ancient Coins?

Use this universal system for Roman, Greek, Illyrian, Byzantine, and other ancient coinage. Remember the method: record the 10 data points, follow the appropriate workflow, and always check for authenticity.

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