Article: History In Your Hands

[Guest Stujoe]

<img border="0" src="

http://www.stujoe.com/images/articles/ancient1.jpg" width="253" height="233"><img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/articles/ancient2.jpg" width="260" height="233"><b><br>Obverse (Jupiter presenting a globe to Aurelian) and Reverse (Emperor Aurelian)<br>of an inexpensive Roman coin made around 270-275 AD

<br><br><i>History In Your Hands</i></b>

<i>by Stujoe</i>

 

<img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/invdot.gif" width="25" height="1"><b>H</b>ow many 1600 to 2000 year old objects do you have in your house right now? No fair counting the dust bunnies under the bed. I am talking about an almost 2000 year old, man made, historical artifact. How many people do you know who might own such an object? I own one and so can you.

 

<img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/invdot.gif" width="25" height="1">Ancient coins, generally defined as those coins made before 500 AD are a very interesting, and somewhat under-collected, area of the hobby. There are a wide variety of coins and designs to choose from. Prices range from around $5.00 or less for a common, Roman bronze coin to, of course, many thousands of dollars for more rare and better preserved examples.

 

<img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/invdot.gif" width="25" height="1">While the beauty and history of a 200-year-old U.S. coin can be something to marvel at, it pales in comparison to holding a coin that is well over a thousand years older in the palm of your hand. Think of the history of this type of coin. Could it have been used to pay a Roman Soldier? Could it have been in the possession of a citizen as he watched some event at the Coliseum? The possibilities are endless.

 

<img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/invdot.gif" width="25" height="1">One thing is for certain, holding an ancient coin in your hand is a very powerful experience. The history seems to flow from the coin as it is being held. It is a tangible and personal link from the people of ancient times to you. Think of the improbability of that coin making its way through time to end up with you. Could the individual who struck that piece centuries ago ever dream that it would last so long? He may not have been immortal but his work certainly was.

 

<img border="0" src="http://www.stujoe.com/images/invdot.gif" width="25" height="1">So, if you have an interest in holding some real history in your hands, buy yourself an ancient coin. Everyone should touch an ancient.

 

<b>Related Site:</b><a href="http://www.blarg.net/~brad/coins.htm" target="_blank"><br>

Brad's Introduction to Ancient Coins</a>

[just carl]

There is a place in the downtown area of Chicago called Hrlan J. Berk that sells all kinds of that really old stuff. Thier store looks like a museum.

[Art]

There is a place in the downtown area of Chicago called Hrlan J. Berk that sells all kinds of that really old stuff. Thier store looks like a museum.

 

 

They have a very nice website too. Lots of great pictures.