A few weeks ago, I mentioned the situation of kids spending so much time on the Internet and in front of TV and video games that it was resulting in endemic obesity. That made me think about life 100 years ago — before television or radio. Reading and parlor games surely must have then been the norm for entertainment and information.

Now, dial the clock back a few thousand years to anytime B.C. or even into the 500s or 600s A.D. There were no books, newspapers or magazines. For that matter, only a relative handful of religious leaders or aristocracy knew how to read. In effect, keeping the masses ignorant kept them in power.

One thing hasn't changed. It's the one thing everyone then and now covets most — money. People today enjoy the designs on the 50 State Quarters and other coins commemorating events and places. But, 2,000 years ago, the importance of what was depicted on ancient coins not only related stories but spoke volumes.

When it comes to holding history in your hands, nothing compares to coins from former empires. Everyone from benevolent rulers to dictators memorialized themselves or key exploits on coins of the realm. Struck from copper, bronze, silver, gold or electrum (an alloy of gold and silver) the peoples of the ancient civilizations revered them for their value and the information they relayed.

Take a silver denarius coin issued in 42 B.C. On the front is the portrait of a Roman ruler. On the reverse is a helmet bordered by two daggers above the words "Eid-Mar." A little more investigation reveals the ruler is Brutus — one of the assassins of Julius Caesar. After he assumed power he had the coin struck replete with the daggers to show how he had brought liberty to his country via the death of Julius. "Eid-Mar" refers to the "Ides of March," when the assassination took place.

Another coin from 33 A.D. shows the head of a Phoenician god on the front and an eagle on the reverse. It's a shekel from biblical days also struck in silver. Of course, there were many coins minted during that time. But, this coin is recognized as the coin that was used to pay Judas for the betrayal of Christ.

The vast number of ancient coins available today is surprising to some. Perhaps justifiably so considering each was struck by hand — one at a time. Just as surprising is the value of many of the coins. Some dating back thousands of years can cost as little as $10 or $20. Naturally, rare or particularly nice specimens can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

The best-of-the-best ancient coins have just been chronicled in the book "100 Greatest Ancient Coins" by noted numismatist Harlan J. Berk. The 130-page book is filled with color photos and stories surrounding the coins. Some of them are still easily obtainable. Others … well, consider a second mortgage.

Written in an fascinating and engaging style, 100 Greatest Ancient Coins is one of the finest reference or coffee-table books on the subject to hit major book and hobby stores. Whether for serious collectors or those with just a casual interest in history, the book and the coins it chronicles tell the same engaging stories they did thousands of years ago. All things considered, not a bad alternative to video games. The best part … they're real and growing in value.

*Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the silver 42 BC "Brutus" silver denarius coin from the book "100 Greatest Ancient Coins" has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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