The intention of this web site is to educate and be educated by others about numismatic aspects of the Late Roman, Byzantine, Ostrogothic, Visigothic and other western contemporary gold of this period. This collection is the continuing work of over ten years accumulation of high quality, rare and interesting pieces. None of the coins shown are for sale (except in the Duplicates for Sale area), but information concerning coins in the collection is freely given and any new information is actively sought.

March 2002 Coin of the Month

And then there were FIVE!    This is an extremely rare (1 of 5 known, 2nd finest) solidus of Theodosius II from Thessalonica.  It is similiar to a metropolitan (Constantinople) issue, with the exception of TESOB in the exergue of the reverse.  While the grade of this coin is only Good Fine, it is the second best known, with the best only being a Good Very Fine, and therefore, highly sought after in any grade.

Now comes the good part.  It was part (1 coin of 3 coin group) of a fairly recent purchase off of Ebay that should warm most treasure hunters hearts.  The other coins were higher (Extra Fine or better) grade examples of late Roman gold coinage that are extremely common.
 

During the past two years, I have cross referenced Sear, Dumbarton Oaks, MEC and Hahn to try to make a comprehensive list of pieces that are available. The list is chronologically sorted by Emperor, denomination and mint.  As to be expected, there are many coins that are unique to one reference and not on any others.  Also, there are several coins within my own collection that are not listed in standard texts.  Therefore, I have started a new numbering system (which is prefaced with a 'W') that can be expanded as additional coins are brought to my attention. In my humble opinion, this is where numismatic research is headed.