Ancient Roman Coins

  1. TIPS ON COLLECTING RARE COINS

    TIPS ON COLLECTING RARE COINS

    Introduction: A Guide to Building Your Unique Treasure

    In the world of rare coin collecting, enthusiasts are captivated by history and welcome tips on collecting rare coins. Museums, such as the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, showcase extraordinary collections. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and the British Museum contribute to our appreciation of rare coins, emphasizing their historical significance.

    The allure of rare coins extends beyond museum walls. Auction houses and private collectors frequently make these numismatic treasures available for sale. Rare coin collecting is not just a cultural and historical journey; it's also an opportunity for financial gain. Rare collections, featuring sought-after coins, can

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  2. Coins of the Bible

    Coins of the Bible

    Historical Tapestry of Coins from the Bible

    The ancient and medieval coins associated with the Bible carry within them not just the weight of currency but the echoes of historical epochs. As we delve into the numismatic treasured Coins of the Bible, we unravel a rich tapestry. Especially, of civilizations, empires, and religious shifts that have left an indelible mark on these tiny metallic artifacts.


    I. Shaping the Cultural and Religious Landscape

    Byzantine-Empire-AV-Solidus

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  3. Roman Emperor Tiberius's Legacy

    Roman Emperor Tiberius's Legacy

    In history's annals, few figures are as enigmatic and influential as Roman Emperor Tiberius. Roman Emperor Tiberius's Legacy from AD 14 to 37 signified a vital era in the Roman Empire. Additionally, it was characterized by intricate politics, imperial ambitions, and a transformative period for Roman coinage.

    Tiberius's path to the throne faced considerable challenges. He spent his early years as a soldier, gaining valuable military experience across Roman provinces. Unquestionably, his success in quelling revolts and vital roles in the Roman military paved his way to leadership.

    Tiberius: The Man and the Emperor

    In AD 4, Tiberius was recalled to Rome and named co-regent with Augustus. As a result of Augustus's AD 14 demise, Tiberius ascended the imperial throne. Consequently,

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  4. Tiberius Issued a Tribute Penny

    Tiberius Issued a Tribute Penny

    During the time when Jesus Christ was in Rome, the Roman Empire was under the rule of Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius issued a Tribute Penny during his reign. In fact, the Tribute Penny has become significant not just in Roman history, but in religious history as well.

    The Tribute Penny was a silver coin that was used to pay the annual tribute imposed on the Jews by the Romans. It featured an image of Tiberius on the obverse side, and the inscription "Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti Filius Augustus." Moreover, this translates to "Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus." On the reverse side is a seated female figure, commonly believed to be the goddess Pax, the personification of peace in Roman mythology. However, some historians believe that the seated female figure is a depiction of Tiberius' mother, Livia Drusilla. This is a subject of debate among scholars,

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  5. Emperor Vitellius' Lavish Lifestyle

    Emperor Vitellius' Lavish Lifestyle

    Emperor Vitellius' lavish lifestyle was known throughout the Roman Empire. He was the Roman Emperor for only 8 short months from 69 AD to his death in 79 AD. In fact, he is known as the shortest-reigning emperor of the Roman Empire.

    Emperor Aulus Vitellius was born in AD 15 and came from a wealthy family in northern Italy. After the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors, he was crowned emperor. Moreover, his reign was marked by conflict and unrest. Emperor Vitellius was eventually defeated by the forces of Vespasian, who became the next emperor. Vitellius' rule is often considered a low point in the history of the Roman Empire and is known for its excess and lack of stability.

    Gambling and gluttony, two vices associated with Vitellius, would be crucial to his future. Emperor Galba made the unpopular choice to designate him as governor of Lower Germany in 68

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  6. HANNIBAL’S ROUTE ACROSS THE ALPS

    The Silver Victoriatus

    Rome and Carthage engaged in three Punic wars. Punic, a late variety of Phoenician, is a language that is used to refer to Carthage or the Carthaginians. Hannibal's route across the alps during the second Punic war is probably the most remembered. But, for a long time, these two major powers in the western Mediterranean fought for supremacy. In fact, huge losses on both sides occurred.

    The Mediterranean island of Sicily and its surrounding waters served as the primary theater of the First Punic War, which took place over a 23-year period (264–241 BC). Meanwhile, they also fought in North Africa. After such a prolonged struggle the first Punic war ended in a loss for Carthage. However, Carthaginians were still itching to fight the Romans. Carthage suffered extensive economic losses in Sicily. They, therefore, had to come up with a plan to strengthen its faltering economy.

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  7. Who Were The Thracians?

    Who Were The Thracians?

    When talking about groups of people in ancient times some people wonder "who were the Thracians?" It is curious that many don't know much about them even though they were an Indo-European people who dominated a large area of Eastern Europe. They inhabited what today is modern day Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. In fact, they occupied this area for much of antiquity.

    We can find some of the earliest literary references of the Thracians from the Iliad. The epic poem of Homer referenced the Trojan War and King Rhesus who was a local Thracian ruler. The problem about Thracians is that they were divided between multiple tribes. They all had their own tribal identity and basically did things differently. Interestingly, The Thracians did not describe themselves by name. The term Thrace and Thracians were names given to them by the Greeks.

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  8. Tiberius II was a good emperor

    Tiberius II was a good emperor

    As far as the history of rulers of the Byzantine Empire, Tiberius II was a good emperor. Tiberius II ruled as an Eastern Roman emperor from 574 to 582. He ruled Byzantine Empire under the Justinian dynasty and proved himself to be a capable administrator that was well loved by his people.

     

    During the Justinian Dynasty Tiberius II rose to power in 574 when Justin II started to have a mental breakdown. Justin the II had adopted Tiberius as his own son and proclaimed him Caesar. In fact, in 578 the dying Justin II gave Tiberius the title of Augustus and becoming co-emperor alongside him. Tiberius became sole ruler less than two weeks later. Subsequently, Tiberius took the regnal name of "Constantine" under which he reigned until his death.  

     

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  9. The Cruelest Roman Emperor

    The Cruelest Roman Emperor

    Roman Emperor Caligula is remembered as being the cruelest roman emperor. No one can say exactly why he was so cruel. Some speculate, that it was because he fell ill of syphilis 6 month into his reign. Whatever the reason, he never recovered mentally and became a ruthless leader.

     

    Caligula's cruelty lasted during his four-year reign from 37-41 AD. In fact, he became so ruthless that no one was safe, including his family. Some even refer to Caligula as the mad emperor. In short, his cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion was nothing short of the actions of an insane tyrant. For instance, he made his horse a member of the senate and slept with or killed every member of his own family.

    There are others who believe Caligula's excessive cruelty is exaggerated

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  10. Biblical-Era Judean Bronze Prutahs

    Biblical-Era Judean Bronze Prutahs

    Mark 12:42, 44

     

    New Testament has reference to Biblical-Era Judean Bronze Prutahs coins. These coins had a more common name due to a very well known biblical story.

    42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

     

    44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

     

     

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