Some famous BC coins include:
- Lydian Lion (Greek stater): The first true "coins," these were minted by the Lydians around 600 BC. They are considered to be some of the most beautiful and valuable ancient coins. One Lydian Lion sold for over $1 million in 2017.
- Athenian Tetradrachm: These coins, which feature the goddess Athena on one side and an owl on the other, were minted by ancient Athens from around 510 BC until 300 BC. They are also highly sought-after by collectors and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
- Roman Aureus: These gold coins were used by ancient Rome from around 206 BC until the 3rd century AD. They typically featured portraits of emperors and were a symbol of wealth and power. Roman Aureus have sold for over $100,000 in recent years.
If you are interested in collecting ancient coins, it is important to do your research and purchase coins from reputable dealers or through reputable auction houses. Be aware that counterfeit coins can be a problem in this market, so it is important to carefully examine coins and check their authenticity before making a purchase.