Ancient Greek Coins

Coin collecting is one of the oldest hobbies in the world and has been practiced since antiquity. Ancient Greek coins are some of the most sought-after and treasured pieces by collectors, not only for their historical significance but also for their beautiful designs.

Here, we will explore five ancient coins from different cities in Greece. Each coin has its own unique design and tells a story about the city it was minted in. Read on to learn more about these five ancient coins!

5 Archaic Coins From Notable Greek Cities

Ancient Greek coins are an interesting and captivating field of study. Because so many flourishing cities each had their own coinage, these artifacts offer a unique insight into the lives of the people who used them.

Here is a look at five pieces from notable cities in Ancient Greece:

1. Athens, Greece Silver Owl Tetradrachm Coin

This bronze coin was first minted in Athens around 510 BC. The Silver Owl Tetradrachm coin is considered the “first true coin of the world,” as its design and structure set the standard for other coins to come.

On one side, there is an owl accompanied by Athena’s symbol of the olive branch, signifying the Athenian state. On the other side appears an inscription reading “AQE,” signifying Athens.

2. Silver Drachm of Chios

This silver drachm from Chios dates back to the fifth century BC.

The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Apollo, while the reverse shows a lyre with eight strings. This design was very popular in the ancient world, making it a sought-after piece among Greek coin collectors.

3. Posthumus Alexander the Great Silver Tetradrachm, Temnos, Aeolis

This silver tetradrachm features a portrait of Alexander The Great on the obverse side along with a reverse showing a horseman galloping to the left.

This coin was minted in Temnos, Aeolis, during the reign of Alexander The Great. It is one of the most sought-after coins from antiquity and a very rare example.

4. Silver Stater of Aegina

The fourth coin on our list is the Silver Stater of Aegina, which was minted in the 6th century BC. This ancient silver coin features the sea turtle on one side and a soldier’s helmet on the other.

The Aegina turtle was a symbol of naval prowess and strength, showing off the island’s naval power. The helmet on the reverse of the coin symbolized strength, protection, and courage in battle.

This coin is one of the earliest coins used in Ancient Greece and was highly valued for its rarity and beauty.

5. Athena/Pegasus Silver Stater of Corinth

The fifth classic Greek coin on our list is the Silver Stater of Corinth, featuring Athena and Pegasus on the obverse.

This stater was minted around 600-550 BCE in the city of Corinth. This important commercial city served as a central trade hub for goods passing between mainland Greece and other areas of the Mediterranean Sea.

The coin bears a mythological design featuring Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare, riding the winged horse Pegasus. The reverse of the coin shows a bird perched upon an olive branch, an image that is believed to be a representation of peace and prosperity.

This piece is a classic example of Ancient Greek art and culture, bringing together mythological figures, religious symbolism, and detailed engraving in one single artifact. It’s a fascinating way to trace the history of Corinth, one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece.

Overall, these five coins give us a fascinating glimpse into the culture and art of Ancient Greek civilization. From Athena’s famous owl Tetradrachm coin made in Athens to the Silver Stater featuring Pegasus from Corinth, these coins demonstrate the diversity of Ancient Greek coinage.

Ancient coins have a lot to tell us about the past, and these five coins offer some insight into the culture and history of Ancient Greece. Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting out, adding any of these five classic coins to your collection will be a great way to appreciate the art and history of Ancient Greece.

Coinage of the Greek World: What To Know

The coins of the Greek world were among the earliest coins ever minted. The first coins were produced around 650 BC. They were made from electrum (an alloy of gold and silver) by the Lydians.

From then on, a wide variety of coins began to be issued across Greece, each with its own features, symbols, and designs.

The Different City-States of Greece

Here are five of the most common Ancient Greek coins by their cities:

• Athens: The Athenians produced a silver coin called the drachma, which had an owl on one side and Athena’s head on the other. The obverse had a standing Athena with her shield.

• Corinth: The Corinthians produced a silver coin, which had an image of Pegasos on one side and a chariot on the other. It was often described as having two horses galloping in opposite directions.

• Sparta: The Spartans minted a silver triobol, an oblong coin with a boar on one side and a spartan helmet on the other.

• Syracuse: The Syracusans minted a bronze coin called the litra. It featured the head of Persephone on one side and an ear of corn or wheat on the reverse.

• Miletus: The Milesians minted a silver coin called the hemidrachm, which featured an owl on one side and a lion’s head on the other. It was often described as having two heads facing each other.

Numismatic Value vs. Face Value

Ancient Greek coins were used to buy goods and services, but they now hold numismatic value, or the value of the coin in terms of its rarity. Coins from different cities had their own designs, making them highly collectible.

Greek Coins vs. Roman Coins

Ancient Greek coins are distinguished from Roman coins by a few factors. First, and most notably, Greek coins have a more primitive design compared to the smooth, sculpted look of Roman coins.

Additionally, Greek coins have inscriptions made in an archaic dialect of Ancient Greek known as “Attic,” while Roman coins bear Latin phrases and words.

Finally, Greek coins are usually made of either gold or silver, while Roman coins often include a variety of other metals, such as copper and bronze.

Add Currency From the Ancient World to Your Coin Collection

Bullion Shark is your trusted source for coins from the ancient world. We offer only the highest quality products from a wide variety of sources and mints, so you know you are getting a worthwhile coin.

Our selection includes rare coins from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Persian civilizations. Whether you want to build an impressive collection of ancient coins or add a few special items to your existing Numismatics holdings, you will find the right piece here.

We are proud to offer coins from some of the most famous rulers of antiquity. From Alexander the Great to Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, we carry coins from many of the most widely recognized figures in history.

We also have coins from pivotal leaders like Constantine I and Nero. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find a large selection of coins to add to your collection.

FAQ

1. What are Ancient Greek coins? Ancient Greek coins are the metallic currency used in many varying city-states and kingdoms throughout the ancient Greek world, from around 600 BC to 300 AD. These coins were not only used for commerce but also as a means of spreading political propaganda and art.
2. Why are Ancient Greek coins important? These coins are crucial for historical and archaeological research, offering insights into the economic, political, and cultural life of ancient Greece. They also showcase the evolution of coin minting technology and artistic progression.
3. What materials were Ancient Greek coins made from? Most Ancient Greek coins were made from silver, but gold, bronze, and electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold) were also used, depending on the era and region.
4. What are some common designs found on Ancient Greek coins? Common designs include images of gods and goddesses like Athena, Apollo, and Zeus, symbols such as the owl of Athens, and mythical creatures like the Pegasus or Gorgon.
5. Which are the most famous Ancient Greek coins? The Athenian Owl Tetradrachm, featuring the goddess Athena and her owl, is one of the most recognized and influential coins. Another famous coin is the Alexander the Great Tetradrachm, which spread Hellenistic culture across Alexander’s empire.
6. How can you tell if an Ancient Greek coin is authentic? Authenticating an Ancient Greek coin involves examining the style, weight, metal quality, and strike method. Consulting with a reputable numismatist or sending the coin for professional grading can also help verify authenticity.
7. What is the value of Ancient Greek coins? The value can vary widely based on rarity, condition, historical significance, and metal content. Some common types may be worth only a few dollars, while rarer specimens can fetch thousands or even millions at auction.
8. How were Ancient Greek coins made? Ancient Greek coins were struck by hand. A blank metal disk was placed on a fixed lower die with a design engraved in it, and a second, upper die with a design was placed on top. The upper die was then struck with a hammer to impress the design into the blank.
9. Where can you buy Ancient Greek coins? Ancient Greek coins can be purchased from Bullion Shark.
10. What should you look for when collecting Ancient Greek coins? Focus on the coin’s historical context, rarity, artistic merit, and condition. Coins with clear, well-struck images and minimal wear are typically more desirable. Additionally, understanding the historical significance of the coin can greatly enhance its collectible value.

Sources:

Alexander the Great | National Geographic

Lyre | musical instrument | Britannica

Ancient Greece - Government, Facts & Timeline | HISTORY

Stater (Coin) Depicting a Sea Turtle | The Art Institute of Chicago