It was one of history's greatest empires.
It changed the face of the known world, created the first real infrastructural support for an ordered society and left its mark on humanity in ways that still inspire and intrigue - even to this day.
It was the Roman Empire.
And one of its lasting impressions has continued to circulate quietly down though the ages, not as the currency for which was originally intended, but as a timeless representation of ancient Rome's art, power and wealth.
The Roman coin - traded, hoarded, stolen, swapped and revered for two millennia - was once even held in the hand of Jesus who instructed the Pharisees to give Caesar that which is his and God the things that are God's.
Today, coin collectors - the world over - still seek out the ancient coin of Caesar.
Why collect Roman coins? Ancient Roman coins hold an almost indescribable allure for collectors, particularly numismatists.
The coins' history, design and availability make them a highly sought after commodity.
However, strange as it may seem, ancient Roman coins are more plentiful than one might think and their cost is actually quite reasonable.
A 'clean' ancient Roman coin can be purchased for around $25.
Should you buy Roman coins in need of cleaning? Ancient Roman coins in need of cleaning can be an excellent bargain for collectors.
Some can be purchased for just pennies each - and with a little work, can be cleaned up so well that they will increase in value, while adding a unique richness to any collection.
How to Clean Roman coins? There are coin cleaning kits, but cleaning old coins can easily be done with household items.
The only tools needed are a toothbrush, wooden toothpicks, a mild abrasive dishwasher soap and distilled water.
Begin by placing the coin into a bowl of distilled water, allowing it soak in order to loosen any noticeable dirt or debris.
This could take a day, a week or perhaps even longer.
The secret is not to rush the process.
After soaking, use the toothbrush to remove the debris.
Then mix a small amount of the mild abrasive dishwasher soap in a separate bowl with distilled water and place the coin into the solution.
After a few minutes, use the toothbrush to clean the coin and the toothpick to remove any stubborn debris.
If fine dirt or debris is still noticed, use a silver brush.
A silver brush has a much finer bristle that will remove the remaining debris without damaging the coin.
The process can be repeated as needed.
A word of caution Collectors should be watchful of fake Roman coins.
In addition to facial features and lettering that are not correct, fake Roman coins are often made using copper, not bronze.
Therefore, if the coin is scratched the mark should be the fresh yellow-brown color of bronze, not the more bright gold hue of copper.
Also, watch for fake patina (the green color that appears on aged bronze).
If the patina can be easily washed away, if it is fake.
It changed the face of the known world, created the first real infrastructural support for an ordered society and left its mark on humanity in ways that still inspire and intrigue - even to this day.
It was the Roman Empire.
And one of its lasting impressions has continued to circulate quietly down though the ages, not as the currency for which was originally intended, but as a timeless representation of ancient Rome's art, power and wealth.
The Roman coin - traded, hoarded, stolen, swapped and revered for two millennia - was once even held in the hand of Jesus who instructed the Pharisees to give Caesar that which is his and God the things that are God's.
Today, coin collectors - the world over - still seek out the ancient coin of Caesar.
Why collect Roman coins? Ancient Roman coins hold an almost indescribable allure for collectors, particularly numismatists.
The coins' history, design and availability make them a highly sought after commodity.
However, strange as it may seem, ancient Roman coins are more plentiful than one might think and their cost is actually quite reasonable.
A 'clean' ancient Roman coin can be purchased for around $25.
Should you buy Roman coins in need of cleaning? Ancient Roman coins in need of cleaning can be an excellent bargain for collectors.
Some can be purchased for just pennies each - and with a little work, can be cleaned up so well that they will increase in value, while adding a unique richness to any collection.
How to Clean Roman coins? There are coin cleaning kits, but cleaning old coins can easily be done with household items.
The only tools needed are a toothbrush, wooden toothpicks, a mild abrasive dishwasher soap and distilled water.
Begin by placing the coin into a bowl of distilled water, allowing it soak in order to loosen any noticeable dirt or debris.
This could take a day, a week or perhaps even longer.
The secret is not to rush the process.
After soaking, use the toothbrush to remove the debris.
Then mix a small amount of the mild abrasive dishwasher soap in a separate bowl with distilled water and place the coin into the solution.
After a few minutes, use the toothbrush to clean the coin and the toothpick to remove any stubborn debris.
If fine dirt or debris is still noticed, use a silver brush.
A silver brush has a much finer bristle that will remove the remaining debris without damaging the coin.
The process can be repeated as needed.
A word of caution Collectors should be watchful of fake Roman coins.
In addition to facial features and lettering that are not correct, fake Roman coins are often made using copper, not bronze.
Therefore, if the coin is scratched the mark should be the fresh yellow-brown color of bronze, not the more bright gold hue of copper.
Also, watch for fake patina (the green color that appears on aged bronze).
If the patina can be easily washed away, if it is fake.