Typhon

That's a very reasonable statement, and I haven't thought about it like that. I guess it's also true what you say that a good coin will always be a good coin even if it doesn't fit in a later main collection. I admit that I do have a thing for mythological beasts, which is one reason I'm drawn to Alexandrian coinage. The Sikyon stater with the Chimera is amazing, but out of my reach unfortunately. I know that you can get a worn example for less, but I'm quite set on not going for a series where I cannot get a nice example within my budget. I fully agree. I like the History of Byzantium podcast as well, and Byzantine coins is a field I could probably go for if not for the fact that I do like the antiquity better and am not sold on the sole use Christian designs. That said, there's something about the fact that Byzantium was the last remnant of another time that appeals to me, same reason I like the history of the last Hellenistic kingdoms as well I assume.

Again, thank you all. Hearing about your journeys really helps. My indecisiveness comes from not wanting to make a purchase I later regret, or that doesn't "fit" in a later collection, but I guess that's not an attitude you want to have. I now realise the process of collecting is much more organic. That said, starting off with a list might be a good idea. The Alexander issue is one, and Caesar another. Apart from that I've been looking at coins of Pyrrhos, and the Taras issue commemorating his aid with the little elephant I think is fantastic; I'm really drawn to those details in coins. Every design has some historical context, and learning about those is what I find the most fascinating about ancient coins.

Thank you all so much for your insights and the warm welcome. Like some of you have mentioned: yes, I'll try to research so that I really know what I'm buying. My problem currently is probably that researching the whole field is unfeasible, and I have a hard time choosing something to start with. I know that I'll find pretty much anything interesting as long as there is some historical connection to read up on. One type I've been wanting to own is a lifetime issue of Alexander, which could be a good place to start since it's general enough and it's something I know I won't regret buying. Roman provincials I find rather charming, and I like the diversity, but it seems quite hard to get into except for Alexandrian coinage. That fact that there are still uncatalogued types is also quite exciting. To summarise: by knowing myself I know that I'll want to specialise eventually, but perhaps the way to get there is to start general and see where research leads.

Hello all, I bought my first ancient coin when I was around 14 (a bronze of Claudius II). I have had a interest for the ancient world for as long as I can remember, and I was amazed that you can actually buy antiques that old. Now, about 20 years later I still haven't bought my second coin. Can't say that I've spent every waking moment thinking about it, but I do want to start a collection and have read multiple books and spent many hours browsing fixed price lists. Almost turning into a collector of numismatic literature. Therefore, I ask for advice and feedback from you experienced collectors. In general, I'm attracted to the historical context of coins. And would like to focus on a specific mint or small region. I prefer the greek world, but Roman Republican coinage I also find quite interesting, particularly the reverse types. I've been looking at Provincial coinage, like Alexandria or Tarsus, but am not quite hooked. Greek silver is amazing, but most is out of my budget and there is not much type variety in coins from most cities. What I'm not is an "album" collector, and have no interest in trying to get coinage of all Roman emperors, etc. (although the Hellenistic portraits are very attractive). This is where I turn to you for advice on where to look, especially to more niche areas that I might have missed only reading general literature. I know that I'll want to build my collection slowly, and would like to be able to afford good pieces for the series as I don't want buy something I might not like in 10 years. My absolute maximum budget per coin would be around €1000 including any fees, but lower would be preferable. I hope that all of this makes sense, and would love to be proven wrong on any of my assumptions.