Medieval Gifts Online: Antiquities

Updated: 12/01/2001

An antiquity is a man-made item that is more than 400 years old. You might expect medieval antiquities to be outrageously expensive, but many artifacts and even some coins are available for under $10. As with any product, you get what you pay for; items in better condition command higher prices. But there's no better way to interest someone in history than giving them a piece of the past that they can hold onto. And if you want to touch the heart of a medieval history buff, even a modest remnant from long ago can work magic.

Each company listed here guarantees the authenticity of the items it has for sale, and many offer your money back, within a limited time, if you're not satisfied for any reason. Please read the terms of sale at each website. As with purchasing products through mail-order or in retail shops, buyer beware. I have not purchased from every online company and I cannot personally guarantee the quality or authenticity of their items. It is up to you, the buyer, to decide whether or not a company is trustworthy enough to get your business.

Please note that even the legitimate trade of antiquities is considered by some to promote the illegal plundering of archaeological treasures. If you do not feel an antiquity is an appropriate gift, consider a reproduction instead.

On this page you will find sections on:

Artifacts and Coins

Weapons and Armor

Artifacts and Coins

Medieval and Byzantine artifacts are valuable to the history buff, whatever the price. An arrowhead, a manuscript page, even utensils from the twelfth century can bring the past alive when we consider that a crusader was struck with the arrowhead, the page was inscribed by a monk, or the utensils were used to create a meal for several dozen people in the castle hall. Coins are particularly welcome gifts, for they are intrinsically valuable as well as connections to the past.

Calgary Coin and Antique Gallery
Calgary has both coins and antiquities from the middle ages. Prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted, with many coins available for under $100 US. Order via email or use their secure order form; currently, VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted. Be sure to read their terms of sale, which can be found on their ordering information page along with shipping and handling information.

Guy Clark Ancient Coins and Antiquities
A fairly extensive selection of Medieval and Byzantine coins is available through Guy Clark's website, as are some artifacts. Place your order and send a check or have him call you for your credit card number. Concise descriptions are provided for each item, with some photos. Coin prices range from ~$30 up to several hundred dollars. Most artifacts are currently priced at $100 and up; jewelry made from coins or artifacts is a little less expensive. Be sure to scroll down the main page to read his terms of sale.

Gaukler Medieval Wares
While Gaukler is primarily a reproduction company, they have a nice selection of ancient and medieval antiquities, very reasonably priced. Use their insecure order form and pay by check, money order or credit card; you can phone in your credit card number if you prefer.

A.G. & S. Gillis Ancient Coins & Antiquities
This British company provides items from ancient times to the middle ages. Major credit cards are now accepted online in their secure order form, or you can check out their terms of sale page for alternate payment methods. Prices are given in pounds sterling; the website includes a currency converter in their navigation menu. Items include medieval documents, weaponry, hammered coins and jewelry.

Robert G. Lilly
Mr. Lilly has descriptions and images of medieval coins, with most current prices under $50. Reserve your coin via email or phone as per instructions on the main page.

Alex G. Malloy, Inc.
The Hold History in Your Hand Catalogue offers a wide variety of ancient and medieval artifacts and coins. Sampler packages, which include reference works, are also available at great savings. Prices are extremely reasonable. To order, print out and fill in the order form to send with your payment. Credit card orders may be phoned, faxed, or emailed in at your own risk.

Money Changers
This website by Greg and Carolyn Thompson offers ancient and early medieval antiquities and coins. Orders are currently accepted only via snail mail; instructions for ordering by check, money order or credit card are provided at the bottom of each page. The Money Changers now have items for auction at e-Bay.

Weapons and Armor

An authentic sword from the middle ages is sure to please a medieval history buff, especially one who is fascinated by military history. Prices will range much higher for these items than for coins. Remember, if the prices of authentic weapons prove to be out of your range, a reproduction might fit the bill instead.

Aoi Art, Tokyo
The Aoi Art sword catalog includes some beautiful Japanese swords from the middle ages. Prices start at about $3,500 for swords and $250 for Tsubas (decorative sword guards). Terms of sale can be found in the About section; use their insecure order form to submit an order (no credit card number is requested) and they will contact you.

Fine Antique Arms and Works of Art
Terry Porter has a nice selection of quality antique swords and other arms, including weapons from the seventeenth century and earlier. Most items are well in excess of $1,000. Mr. Porter accepts personal checks, money orders and credit cards. Contact him via phone, snail mail or email to reserve an item, but please remember: transmit your credit card number via email at your own risk.

Nihonto
Fred Weissberg has a variety of antique Japanese swords, armor, tsuba and related items (which he displays through splendid photos) for sale through his site or on eBay. Prices for swords begin in the thousands, but tsuba and related items are considerably less expensive. All major credit cards accepted; for ordering information contact him at hageyama@best.com.

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