I don't have a copper addiction...

[Parthicus]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I definitely do not have an addiction to copper coins. Nope, not me. The beautiful brown toning, or the multicolored patinas wrought by centuries of subtle chemical reactions? So boring. The affordability compared to silver and gold coins? Meh. The beautiful designs? The importance in understanding history? The stories they could tell, from circulating among the common people of every area? Just doesn't do anything for m-

Okay, I confess! I love old copper coins, from pristine Roman sestertii, to Umayyad falsin with elegant Kufic script, to heavy Canadian bank tokens, Latin Union coins, and beyond. Please share your beautiful copper coins (including bronze, brass, and other copper-based alloys) so I feel less alone in my addiction.

[seth77]

This is the color I find the most pleasing for an un-patinated copper/bronze:

[John Conduitt]

One of the good things about copper is the size the coins can be.

Catherine II the Great Five Kopeks, 1792

Ekaterinburg. Copper, 47.75g. Crowned monogram of Ekaterina II divides date within wreath. Crowned double-headed eagle (Eagle of 1789-1796), Е М, Five Kopecks. Edge: Reticulated (Bit 646).

[John Conduitt]

But they are often tiny too. I have loads of these - the first copper coins used in England - although I don't think many people care for them 🤣

James I Harington Type 1b Farthing Token, 1613-1614

London Token House. Copper, 0.30g. Crown with crossed sceptres; IACO D*G. MAG BRIT (Obverse 1). Crowned harp; Harington Knot, FRA.ET.HIB.REX (S 2675; Everson Type 1b 14).

Edited June 3, 2023 by John Conduitt

[John Conduitt]

Britain's first coins were copper alloy.

Crossed Striations Potin, 100-90BC
Cantii tribe, Kent. Potin, 18mm, 1.57g. Celticised head of Apollo left with ring-and-pellet motif in centre of head; equally-thin striations at 90 degree angles in fields. Celticised bull made up of curved lines, charging left (ABC 153; VA 112-01).

[John Conduitt]

People even rioted over copper coins.

Alexis I ‘Copper Riot’ Emergency Kopek, 1654-1663

Moscow Old Mint. Copper, 0.45g. Horseman with spear; MO below. Царь и Великий князь Алексей Михайлович Всея Руси (Tsar and Grand Duke Alexey Michailovich of All Russia) (Grishin 1116). Alexis I issued large numbers of emergency copper kopeks in 1654 (valued at the equivalent of silver kopeks) to fund his wars, but this led to a severe financial crisis. Angry Moscow residents revolted in the 1662 Copper Riot, which was put down violently.

[Qcumbor]

Somme modern copper :

 

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[ewomack]

I have picked up quite a bit of Byzantine copper over the last year, including these pieces below. So I'm beginning to wonder if I've picked up a Byzantine copper addiction? The way that copper transforms over the centuries is also a pretty fascinating subject all in itself.

Justinian I Follis (540/1 - Year 14), Constantinople mint, Obv: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing holding cross on globe and shield; cross to right. Rev: Large M, ANNO to left, cross above, XIIII (date) to right, A below, CON in exergue, Sear 163

Leo V AD 813-820, Æ Follis (23mm, 4.43 grams) Constantinopolis; LEON S CONST; facing busts of Leo (l.) and Constantine (r.);
Large M between XXX and NNN; cross above and A below; Sear 1630

Michael II the Amorian (AD 820-829) with Theophilus Æ Follis; Constantinople mint; Obv: MIXAHL S ΘЄOFILOS, crowned facing busts of Michael (on left) and Theophilus (on right); cross above; Rev: Large M, X/X/X to left, cross above, N/N/N to right, Θ below; 29.12mm; 6.21 grams; Sear 1642

The other copper addiction that once infected me fervently involved Half Cents. My passion has drained somewhat for procuring new samples, but I still enjoy the ones that I have. I also have a thing for bizarre or obsolete denominations.

I also have a few Japanese coppers.

1874 - 1 Rin

1885 - 1/2 Sen

1919 - 5 Rin

Edited June 3, 2023 by ewomack

[DonnaML]

Probably my favorite British copper coins, both from George III: a cartwheel twopence from 1797, and a penny from 1806.

[Edessa]

Justinian I, AD 527-565. Æ Follis (32mm, 16.86g, 6h). Theoupolis (Antioch) mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa AD 531-537. Obv: Justinian seated facing on throne, wearing crown with pendilia and holding scepter and globus cruciger. Rev: Large M; cross above, star to left, crescent to right, Γ//+THEUP. Ref: DOC 206c; MIBE 130; SB 214. 

[DLTcoins]

There's something warm and friendly about copper. When I was a kid, I liked the smell of my copper coins.

[DonnaML]

1 hour ago, DLTcoins said:

There's something warm and friendly about copper. When I was a kid, I liked the smell of my copper coins.

Indeed. But I learned early on in life that they don't taste very good!