Understanding the Ancient Coin Market (with Aaron Berk)

Purchase shares in great masterpieces from artists like Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and more.

Like most people who collect ancient coins, I collect because I love history, not because I'm trying to make a profit. But for those who are intrigued by the idea of investing in ancient coins, this video - featuring Aaron Berk of Harlan J. Berk coins - outlines the nature (and the many risks) of the coin market. Please note that nothing in the video is intended to serve as investment advice.

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If you liked this video, you might also enjoy my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans.”

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:52 Today's coin market
3:26 "Blue chip" Greek coins
4:30 "Blue chip" Roman coins
5:15 An example: two EID MAR issues
7:17 Masterworks
8:35 Cycles in the coin market
10:15 The coin market and the economy
11:10 The importance of provenance
12:35 How hoards change prices
13:12 Ancient coins vs. US coins
14:53 Follow your passions, not profit
15:53 Concluding remarks

[fetus]

I could care less if my coins are worth pennies or millions .... For me the History held im my hand is Priceless .

[NTYALC]

I never knew that authentic Roman coins were available at such low prices until an interview you did a few months ago mentioned it. I’ve gotten really into it since then. Thanks a ton for introducing me to the hobby!

[bobbysterning]

Me and my partner have visited Harlan dozens of times, we are obsessed with the history of these coins and always love the experience he provides.

[Awwsteen]

More expert interviews please! That was fantastic!

[otm]

7:33 the stratospheric rise in the price of modern art really needs to be looked at from a few different perspectives. It's become a favorite means of money laundering which has substantially skewed the data set. Trying to figure out how much that skewed the data set is likely impossible to determine.

[captnwebb]

Hey Aaron, thank you for all your hard work. Since your coin cleaning episode, I have started collecting and cleaning.
Loving every moment.

[Jesse_Dawg]

I like these videos about ancient coins and valuation. Also that person you interview was very good at describing things

[martinphilip]

A have a few ancient coins that I would pass around the classroom and tell a story about it. I also had many foreign coins that I would buy in bulk. That was a great classroom resource in many ways. The kids could buy these coins in the Challenge Shop with points they’d earned for attempting or solving a challenging math problem of the day. Often they were not that difficult but it gave us an opportunity to talk about strategies they used. Now I’m retired and have an abundance of world coins. I bought them in bulk and had a hobby of making the best ones into decorative pins. I live across the street from a popular park. I bury about 25 a year in areas I can observe guys coin shooting while I’m washing dishes. I wonder what they are thinking when they find a coin from Fiji.

[patstats]

How very informative. I began researching ancient coins a few years ago and was surprised at how affordable they are. I haven’t purchased any yet because I’m still researching. For me, it’s the aesthetics and haven’t decided on a coin.

[markp]

Best intro ever. I love the worn and cheap coins! My collection is built from them, but so many cool kings and cities... it's so exciting to go through.

[dane]

me watching this, whose only knowledge of ancient coins comes from toldinstone and percy jackson books

[nathanielscreativecollecti]

I have taken up cleaning coins after your video on the subject! It has been a magnificent journey to start with a clod of dirt and eventually reveal a face, a history, and a piece of art long lost to time. I hope to continue for a long time!

[bgdyifs]

That was fascinating! Please make more interviews with experts i loved it

[brettnelly]

The Harlan J Berk store in the loop in Chicago is a great store and chicagoans should check it out! Shout out to Curtis Clay, their ancient numismatist! He’s great

[larsrons]

Interesting and useful video. Before the internet most people I met collected coins that were in mainstream catalogues (the last 1 - 200 years). I have a single small Roman (from Emp. Claudius I think) bought for 2 € (less than an icecream) in Spain 12 years ago, and a Norman 1 penny of William the Conqueror from 1.035 (his first year of reign) bought 7 years ago for 350 € but through a friend with a huge "employees discount". I'm sure both would worth a fair bit more today.

[ineedhelpsoon]

Can we please see the coins in close up? :D

[Ozymandias]

Before 1974 private gold ownership was banned in the US. So that made collecting ancient coins a bit difficult.

[leslielutz]

That bracelet is so cool. This was fabulous !!

[JosephusAurelius]

Very interesting. Thank you once again toldinstone

[michaelmallin]

Those well manicured hands didn't even jiggle while holding all that money. Hat's off to Aaron Berk. Very interesting, entertaining and informative.