The collection of ancient coins at Charles University has existed in its present state since l945. That year Greek, Roman, and other ancient coins were entrusted to the care of the Seminar for Ancient History and incorporated into their already extensive collection. The present collection contains about four thousand pieces, mostly in silver and bronze.

Federico Gambacorta's catalog showcases 243 coins from the collection and is organized chronologically, from the period in which Valentinian I was emperor of Rome--364 to 375 AD--to the end of the Byzantine Empire. The catalog features entries with full-color illustrations and a detailed historical description of each coin.