Dean Kinzer, Why Ancient Coins Are More Powerful Than You Think

You’ve probably assumed ancient coins are expensive museum pieces, but the truth is you can own real history for far less than most people realize.

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Kinzer, owner of KinzerCoins, to unpack why ancient coins weren’t just money. They were the original mass communication system, a tool for propaganda, and a surprisingly accessible way to own tangible history.

You’ll learn:

1. Why ancient coins were used to spread information across empires

2. How rulers built trust and authority through coin design

3. Why some ancient coins cost less than a night out

4. What beginners get wrong when buying coins online

5. How to collect for meaning or long-term value

6. Why coins tied to names like Constantine, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great still matter today

This episode is for you if:

1. You love history and want something tangible you can actually hold

2. You’re curious about alternative collectibles (without spending a fortune)

3. You don’t want to get scammed buying coins online

4.You want a hobby that’s part investing, part storytelling

If you’ve ever wanted to hold a real piece of ancient Rome or Greece in your hand, this conversation will change how you think about money and history.

Timestamps

01:04 Intro and meet Dean

02:36 Why ancient coins and Dean’s story

06:11 The coin that pulled him in

08:44 Coins as propaganda

09:02 How empires spread information

10:12 Athenian Owl and trust

11:25 Do modern coins do this too

12:26 Grading basics and why you should never clean coins

13:47 Coins becoming art again

15:20 Shekel of Tyre and ancient artistry

16:41 Currency changes and mintages

18:23 What Dean sells for beginners

19:23 Ancient coins are affordable

20:26 Constantine coin example

21:46 Fun ways to collect

22:49 Coins as history speaking

24:11 Story versus investment

24:31 Name value coins like Caesar and Alexander

26:09 What Julius Caesar coins cost

27:52 Why ancient coins feel underrated

28:45 Wearing coins and the Teddy Roosevelt story

29:44 Zodiac, sports, and music coins

31:21 The six dollar ancient coin reaction

32:14 How to find Dean

33:11 Avoiding fakes and buying safely

33:56 Wrap-up

34:19 Dean can source specific coins

35:24 Outro and subscribe

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