There are many reasons why people collect coins. Some collect them as an investment, others as a hobby, while coin dealers collect them to resell or trade. People who collect coins, both old and ancient are called numismatists and the study of coins, both old and ancient is called numismatics.
Numismatists are found everywhere around the world and people have been coin collectors for many centuries. An article in a 1944 issue of the Journal of the History of Collections, states that this particular practice was an ongoing hobby at the time of the Renaissance. At this time in Europe, coins were not only collected, but also given as tokens symbolizing friendship and used as gifts.
European coins were minted in large numbers over a long period of time which could explain why they are amongst the most wildly circulated coins with numerous websites selling and appraising Ancient European coins.
The Ancient Greeks used a coin called the drachma. This ancient coin has since changed, but it was still in use up until the twentieth century. Modern sources tell us that these ancient silver coins have been in existence since about 1100 B.C., and were mainly used during the Alexandrian era. Certain collectors trade silver drachmas at a going rate of approximately $60 apiece and sometimes more depending on the era of their origin and grade.
Coins used in Ancient Rome were known as the denarius, the singular name for denarii. These silver coins date as far back as two hundred eleven B.C. Some of these coins carry the image of Marcus Aurelius. These can sometimes be purchased for a price of approximately thirty dollars each.
When considering the value of ancient European coins, certainly age is a factor, but also the condition or grade of the coin. The majority of Ancient European coins carry images of prominent leaders, Greek or Roman goddesses and gods. At times, some are cleaned and processed to add value and marketability. For example, a Marc Antony coin, with goddess Minerva on the verse side, in a very fine grade, and with the date being eighty-three to thirty B.C., sells for about $400 or more. Many of the expensive and precious Greek silver coins are displayed in the Athens, National Numismatic Museum.