Sean Frankel

Featured from my own Collection

Silver Denarius of Emperor Trajan

This coin is one of my favorites. Right after the famous monument, Trajan's column, completed its construction in 113 AD, this coin was practically minted right down the street. This coin was one of the first ones I ever collected, and since then i've always had a special connection to Trajan's column, a monument that - yes - is still standing even today, almost 2 millenia later. Every single time i've ever been in Rome i've made a beeline right for it just to see it and compare it to the coin. It just feels very cool to hold a piece of history in your hands that directly ties to something thats stood for thousands of years, and you can still visit and appreciate. This is a great example of how coins, as perhaps the most ubiquitous and often, interesting, historical artifacts are such a fun and weird little way to see and enjoy the threads of history.

I also got it at the first coin conference I ever went in, back in 2018 in the city of philadelphia (lot of latin roots in that name). Minor aside, but to every young person reading this please go to random numismatics conferences, they freaking love young people there and will give you so much attention and discounts.

This coin is a part of my "5 good emperors" collection, where I've intentionally gone trying to gather together a collection from a famous period of Ancient Roman history, the time of the 5 good emperors. More info on that, and everything else, at the bottom of the page.

Silver Denarius of Emperor Severus Alexander

This coin is one of my prettier ones. Severus Alexander is a lesser known Ancient Roman emperor who is most well known for his military accomplishments.

My story with this one is a bit more boring. I was talking to a collector online who mentioned tthey were trying to sell this one and I liked Severus Alexander as an interesting example of a later, mroe warrior-esque Roman emperor with an interesting backstory. So i thought sure, why not i'll nab it.

This coin isn't really part of any strict collection of mine.

More on Coin Collecting and My Journey

I still remember the day I stumbled upon coin collecting. I was wandering through the British Museum, and a chance conversation with the curators sparked something within me. It's funny how life works out, isn't it?

Of course, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. Learning to navigate the coin world, spotting fakes, and understanding what makes a coin truly special – it's a steep learning curve. And finding reliable information? Forget about it. You've got to dig deep or find knowledgeable people willing to share their expertise. But that's all part of the adventure, right?

One of my favorite memories is from my first coin show in Philly. My family came along, and I was like a kid in a candy store. The seasoned collectors were super welcoming, even if they did mistake me for my dad's sidekick at first! I scored some great pieces, made friends, and even picked up some trade secrets. Not a bad birthday present, if you ask me.

The thing is, coin collecting isn't just about accumulating old coins. It's about the stories, the history, and the people you meet along the way. When you hold an ancient coin, you're literally touching a piece of someone's life from centuries ago. And comparing a worn-out silver Denarius to a crumpled $10 bill? That's a mind-blowing thought, considering how money has been a part of human culture across ages and civilizations.

Looking ahead, I've got a wishlist of coins I'd love to add to my collection, but it's not just about checking boxes. I want to explore beyond Rome, maybe delve into old Japanese Yen or other currencies. It's all about the journey, not the destination. Coin collecting keeps me connected to history, which has always been my passion.

If you're new to this hobby, just enjoy the ride. Coins are cool, but it's the journey, the people you meet, and the bits of the past you get to hold that make it truly special. Who knows, you might just catch the coin collecting bug too!

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