The Ancient Coin Hour

Welcome to Episode 23 of the Ancient Coin Hour. Dean Kinzer and Josh Benevento sit down with Ben Walker of Jovi Numismatics to dig into transitional coinage: the coins struck during moments of change in the ancient world, when one ruler, system, or empire gave way to the next. Ben brings a dealer's eye to the conversation as we cover what makes transitional coins so collectible, how to spot them,...

Is the ancient coin market really heating up in 2026? In this episode of Ancient Coin Hour, Dean Kinzer and Josh break down the explosive energy from the Central States coin show — including a stunning Caligula tetradrachm, a record-setting Eid Mar denarius, and the under-the-radar Arab Byzantine and Parthian coins savvy collectors are quietly buying right now. If you collect Roman coins, Greek co...

In this episode of Ancient Coin Hour, the hosts break down their experiences at recent major coin shows, including the St. Louis Numismatic Society event and the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC). They explore the rapidly growing interest in ancient coins, share dealer-level insights from the show floor, and discuss how online platforms like WhatNot are transforming the way new...

Join us in Episode 19 of the Ancient Coin Hour as we dive into the fascinating world of coin grading with Alex Masella, founder of PNC Grading. Discover how a childhood passion for collecting coins evolved into a professional journey, leading to the creation of PNC Grading. Alex shares insights into the intricacies of coin grading, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of authe...

In this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Dean Kinzer and Josh discuss their recent activities, including Josh's busy fall season filled with opera performances and Dean's experiences at the ANA coin show. They explore the emerging market for ancient coins on platforms like Whatnot, the importance of engaging new collectors, and the use of AI to enhance the storytelling of coins. The...

In this episode of the Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Dean Kinzer and Josh Benevento delve into the resurgence of virtual coin shows and their impact on community building among ancient coin enthusiasts. Discover how these digital gatherings, born out of necessity during the pandemic, have evolved into vibrant spaces for collectors to connect, trade, and share their passion. Join us as we explore the st...

Dive into the depths of history with our latest episode, where we uncover the captivating journey of shipwreck coins. These treasures, lost to the sea for centuries, hold stories of exploration, trade, and adventure. Join Isaac from Premier Rare Coins as he shares his expertise on these maritime relics, revealing their historical significance and the tales they tell. Discover how these coins offer...

In this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean Kinzer and Josh Benevento dive into a wide-ranging discussion on the ancient coin market, upcoming shows like Central States, and how tariffs are reshaping the cost of importing coins. They share personal updates, including Josh’s opera projects and Dean’s steady production pace, while emphasizing the growing need for creativity and adaptabilit...

Byzantine coins hold a rich history, yet they remain overlooked by many collectors. In this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour , Kyle Bollen shares his journey into Byzantine numismatics, exploring the allure of trophy coins, the solidus as a medieval powerhouse, and the investment potential of these historical artifacts. We dive into the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Anastasius I’s economic reforms...

In this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Josh Benevento and Dean Kinzer share their experiences from recent coin shows, including the FUN Show and the New York International Coin Show. They discuss the success of these events, the rising value of ancient coins, and the role of history in making these treasures so captivating. Plus, they reveal exciting plans for 2025 and their mission to gr...

In this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Josh Benevento and Dean Kinzer explore a remarkable selection of ancient coins submitted by their community, including a standout piece recognized as a 2024 Coin of the Year. They discuss the historical significance, artistry, and personal connections behind each submission, highlighting the diverse conditions and stories these coins carry. From cove...

n this episode of The Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Dean Kinzer and Joshua Benevento reflect on personal milestones in 2024, share their favorite coins of the year, and discuss upcoming coin shows. Special guest Kyle Ponterio from Stack’s Bowers joins the conversation to delve into the fascinating world of countermarks, medieval coins, and the unique offerings of Stack’s Bowers. He highlights the impor...

In this episode of the Ancient Coin Hour, hosts Dean Kinzer and Josh Benevento discuss their passion for ancient coins, share personal updates, and interview Shanna Schmidt, owner of Shanna Schmidt Numismatics Inc and Numismatica Ars Classica USA. Shanna shares her extensive journey in the numismatic world, discussing her transition from advertising to the coin business, the challenges she faces a...

In this engaging conversation, Vera Liu shares her journey from a marketing career in major corporations to becoming a prominent figure in the numismatic world. As the first woman guest on the podcast, she discusses her role at CNG, her passion for coin collecting, and the significance of the Tyrant collection. The discussion also highlights the differences in coin collecting markets between Asia...

In this conversation, Dean, Josh, and Aaron discuss Harlan J. Berk Limited (HJB) and the services it offers as a coin dealer. They talk about the history of HJB, its transition from a jewelry store to a coin business, and its focus on ancient coins and antiquities. Aaron shares his experience working at HJB and the challenges of grading and selling ancient coins. They also discuss the buyer bid sa...

In Episode 8 of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean and Josh interview Robert Hoppensteadt, an expert in ancient coins. Robert shares his journey into numismatics, beginning with his discovery of a sestertius in Florence in 1989. He discusses his focus on provincial bronze coins featuring architectural designs and emphasizes the importance of thorough research and prioritizing quality over quantity...

In Episode 7 of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean and Josh continue their interview with Zach Beasley, Director of Ancients at Heritage Auctions. The discussion delves into Crotonian numismatics, exploring its historical significance in Magna Graecia. They examine the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, emphasizing how coinage reflects these changes. The episode concludes with insig...

In Episode 6 of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean and Josh delve into their latest ancient coin acquisitions. Dean discusses an Augustus Denarius, highlighting its historical significance, particularly in relation to the Parthians. Josh presents a Sassanian coin from one of the empire's last rulers, Khusro II, providing an overview of the Sassanian dynasty and its impact on Iranian art and govern...

In Episode 5 of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean and Josh delve into their recent experiences and latest coin acquisitions. Josh discusses a Dupondius coin from Emperor Trajan, providing historical context and explaining the legends inscribed on it. Dean shares a coin from Troy, highlighting the city's history and the rarity of coins from that era. They also explore the complexities of understan...

In Episode 4 of The Ancient Coin Hour , hosts Dean and Josh continue their exploration of ancient Judean coins, delving into their significance, value, and the mysteries surrounding their nomenclature and usage. They showcase personal pieces, including a bronze prutah of Porcius Festus and a provincial coin of Domitian, discussing their historical contexts. The conversation also touches on the Jew...

In Episode 3 of The Ancient Coin Hour , the interview features David Hendin, a renowned expert in Judean and biblical coins. Hendin shares his journey into numismatics, which was inspired by his father's coin collection and his experiences in Israel. He discusses the importance of fostering a sense of community within the numismatic world and the unique connection between coin collecting and histo...

In Episode 2 of The Ancient Coin Hour podcast, hosts Dean and Josh continue their exploration of ancient numismatics. They begin by discussing notable coins, including a bronze piece from Syracuse and Gorgon coins, highlighting their historical significance and unique features. The conversation then shifts to the importance of literature in coin collecting, with recommendations for beginners seeki...

In the first episode of The Ancient Coin Hour podcast, hosts Dean and Josh interview Mike Gasvoda, the managing director of Classical Numismatic Group (CNG). Gasvoda shares his extensive experience in the ancient coin market, discussing the intricacies of auctions and the nuances of coin collecting. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research and knowledge in making informed purchasing decis...