Art on Greek coins can be exceptionally beautiful. Collectors of Greek coins most often fit into this category. The standard of the art has never been replicated since. Herein lies the great attraction for many collectors and numismatists alike. Most scholars of ancient Greek coinage point to the Sicilian coinage of the fifth through third century BC as an artistic high point, while others look to the coinage of the Hellenistic monarchs.

The age of ancient Greek coins is also a great attraction, with some coins being minted over 2,600 years ago! Tied into this attraction is the historical and economic import of the coins. The first lumps of electrum were “minted” in Asia Minor, and these were actually stamped with a mark of value and/or ownership and not commonly circulated. Then the Lydians discovered how to separate the gold and silver that comprises electrum. Shortly after that silver coinage spread throughout the Greek world.

Rarity is sought by many collectors, and Greek coins offer many rarities along with art and age. For this reason many collectors find ancient Greek coinage a much more interesting way to collect their rarities.

Ancient Greek coin collecting is an absorbing and rewarding hobby. A collector wishing to delve into ancient Greek coinage is met with a few surprises when compared to collecting contemporary coins: There usually are no dates or mint marks on the coins, there's more rarity in general and therefore the prices are higher, and there's no set schemes or patterns to collect by, ie: to collect all Lincoln cents in an album designed for the purpose.

Unlike collecting modern day coins, no set plan is actually needed. A field of interest is more important. Some examples would be: Archaic period (or the very oldest coins), coins with portraits on the obverse, gold and electrum coinage, bronze coinage, coins from a certain region or city, rarities, etc. I would suggest, therefore, that you find something that interests you, and then read on that subject. Also, you may find your dealer or numismatist very valuable: to help you avoid pratfalls and suggest reading materials. Take your time and enjoy the experience of learning and collecting some of the most interesting coins ever produced!

Most of the coins you will collect or examine may be handled! I know this seems very wrong but there's little possibility of damaging a 2,000 year old bronze coin. It's already been through a lot, and you can hold it in your hand and examine it closely (just be careful not to scratch it, etc.). Also, be aware that nearly all ancient Greek coins are either still buried or have been excavated and cleaned! Cleaning is an accepted practice and does not, in and of itself, ruin the value of the coin. That said, it's obvious that a bad cleaning will leave its mark, and that some collectors prefer toned coins (many also prefer recently cleaned ones).

Since the coins are expensive, it seems obvious a beginner should start with bronze issues, which are normally lower in price, and this practice is advocated by many. I don't agree with this way of thinking. I'll restate the obvious: collect coins that interest you! If you find the coins you like too expensive, you have some options: Use layaway plans (for example, Forum Ancient Coins offers up to four months to pay for a coin on layaway), select coins of a lower grade or condition, and start with the least expensive coins in the area that interests you. It would be better to have one coin that you really like and are proud to own, than to have many coins of which you are not proud!