Ancient Greek Coinage

Definition

The coinage of ancient Greece has given us some of the most recognisable images from antiquity as they were stamped with designs to proudly declare the identity of the city which minted them and guarantee their value. One of the great archaeological survivors, coins are an invaluable source of information on cultural practices, important individuals, and ancient international relations.

More about: Ancient Greek Coinage

Timeline

  • c. 635 BCE - 585 BCE
    Reign of Alyattes of Lydia. Minting of first coins made from electrum.
  • 600 BCE - 300 BCE
    Dionysos appears on the coins of Naxos, Mende and various other Greek city states.
  • c. 550 BCE
    The silver drachma of Delos depicts a lyre - symbolic of Apollo - on its reverse side.
  • 470 BCE
    Gortyn on Crete begins to mint its own coinage.
  • c. 360 BCE
    Pan appears on the reverse of coins of the Arcadian League.
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