Guide to collecting rare ancient Greek coins of Cleopatra VII Queen of Egypt and the rare roman coins of her Lovers Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The goal of this article is to give examples of authentic ancient Greek and Roman coins depicting the very famous charcters. This guide tells a great story and is a great watch for those that are trying to build a coin collection of these historical figures. There additional coins of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Mark Antony with Cleopatra. Other coin types shown are of Antonia, daughter of Octavia Minor, who Mark Antony left for Cleopatra, whom wound up having a son named Claudius, Roman emperor 41-54 A.D.
This article is designed to give you easy access to do an easy search in my store, along with direct links to the coins mentioned in the videos here. Enjoy.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond, running the eBay store Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins.
Greek Coin of
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt Cleopatra VII – Queen: 51-30 B.C.
Bronze 80 drachmai 26mm (12.97 grams) Alexandria mint
Reference: Sear 7955; Svoronos 1871; B.M.C.6.123,4-5
Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra VII right.
ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ, Ealge standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, double cornucopia; to right, mark of value Π (=80).
As 480 bronze drachms were the equivalent of one silver drachm at this time, the 80 drachmai piece would have circulated as an obol, and the 40 drachmai as a hemiobol.
Queen Cleopatra, famous for being the lover of both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, along with being a very important historical figure. As it is a portrait coin of Cleopatra herself, this coin type is highly sought-after and appreciated by collectors and historians alike.
Greek city of Antioch on the Orontes in Seleukis and Pieria Bronze Tetrachalkon 23mm (13.32 grams) Dated year 19 of the Pompeian Era, 48/47 B.C.
Reference: McAlee 43; RPC I 4216; DCA 384; HGC 9, 1366. For c/m: McAlee p. 74, note 25.
Laureate head of Zeus right; countermark: female head (ostensibly of Cleopatra VII) right within oval incuse
ANTIOXEΩN THΣ MHTPOΠOΛΕΩΣ, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; IΘ (date) in exergue; all within laurel wreath.
From McAlee, The Coins of Roman Antioch (p. 74, note 25): “The coins of this year (Pompeian Era 19=48/7 BC) and of Year 3 of the Caesarean Era are frequently seen with a countermark on the obverse, which was previously described as “head of Apollo r.” in an oval. As discussed in the text, it now seems likely that the countermark portrays Cleopatra, and was used to mark coins circulating in the Syro-Phoenician territories, which were given to her by Mark Antony.”
Greek Coin of
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt Cleopatra VII – Queen: 51-30 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 26mm (12.78 grams) Alexandria mint, dated year 13, 40/39 B.C.
Reference: Sear 7953 var.; SNG Copenhagen 408; Svoronos 1828
Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis.
ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt with palm over shoulder; L IΓ (date) above head-dress of Isis to left, ΠA to right.
The Ptolemaic kingdom before Cleopatra, famous for being the lover of both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and during her reign would use the portrait of the dynasty’s founder Ptolemy I on the silver tetradrachm coins from the mint in Alexandria. The differentation can be made by the refined style of the portraiture on the coins of Cleopatra VII, as can be seen in the picture of in Sear no. 7952. It is interesting to note that on her portrait coins she bears a striking resemblence to the dynasty founder Ptolemy I, or perhaps she ordered a portrait that had a close resemblence to her as a political tool to legitimize her reign. Although not a portrait coin of Cleopatra herself, it is a coin struck under her reign as Queen or Pharaoh of Egypt and is very rare nonetheless.
Greek Coin of
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt
Cleopatra VII – Queen: 51-30 B.C. Bronze 80 drachmai 25mm (17.54 grams) Alexandria mint
Reference: Sear 7955; Svoronos 1871; B.M.C.6.123,4-5 Certification: NGC Ancients F Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/54375810-005
Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra VII right.
ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ, Ealge standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, double cornucopia; to right, mark of value Π (=80).
As 480 bronze drachms were the equivalent of one silver drachm at this time, the 80 drachmai piece would have circulated as an obol, and the 40 drachmai as a hemiobol.
Greek Coin of
Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt Cleopatra VII – Queen: 51-30 B.C.
Bronze 40 drachmai / Hemiobol 21mm (8.46 grams) Alexandria mint in Egypt
Reference: Sear 7956; Svoronos 1872 Certification: NGC Ancients VG 4529166-009
Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra VII right.
ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ, Ealge standing left on thunderbolt; in field to left, double cornucopia; to right, mark of value M (=40).
As 480 bronze drachms were the equivalent of one silver drachm at this time, the 80 drachmai piece would have circulated as an obol, and the 40 drachmai as a hemiobol.
Julius Caesar – Roman General, Politician, Hero & Dictator Silver Denarius 18mm (3.78 grams) military mint in North Africa, late 48-47 B.C.
Reference: RSC 12; Crawford 458/1; B.M.C. East, 31; Syd. 1013; B. 10
Diademed head of Venus right.
CAESAR, Aeneas walking left, carrying his father, Anchises and palladium
Venus was the patron-goddess of Julius Caesar, and also the goddess whom his family traces it’s decent from, and therefore she is pictured on his coins. In 46 B.C., Caesar dedicated a temple to Venus Genetrix in the Forum Julium.
The Julia gens traced it’s mythical descent also from Iulus, the son of Aenaeas. The story goes that Aeneas fled the burning ancient city of Troy, carrying his father on his back and the important statue called the palladium from that city. The Roman people, according to their mythology traced their decent from ancient Troy itself.
Anchises, being the mortal lover of Aphrodite (=Venus), having a son, Aeneas together, connects the mythical founders of Rome to their descent from the goddess Venus herself. A remarkable piece of ancient propaganda!
Julius Caesar – Roman Dictator –
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.62 grams) Struck at the mint of Rome February-March 44 B.C.
P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer
Reference: RSC 39; B. 50; B.M.C. 4173; Syd. 1074; Craw. 480/13; Alföldi Type IX, 98 (A49/R13); CRI 107d; Kestner 3688 Certification: NGC Ancients Ch F Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 4374096-001
CAESAR DICT PERPETVO, laureate and veiled of Julius Caesar head right.
P . SEPVLLIVS MACER, Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory and scepter, to right at feet, shield set on ground
On this coin, Julius Caesar breaks tradition of prohibiting the portraying of living individuals on Roman coins by showing his own portrait on it. It was considered a practice of Eastern Greek monarchs rather than the Republic that Rome was still supposed to be. This could have been seen as a clear sign of Julius Caesar styling himself after king issuing such a coin. This coin, along with other factors may have been what culminated in the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C. Venus was the patron-goddess of Julius Caesar, and also the goddess whom his family traces it’s decent from, and therefore she is pictured here holding the goddess of Victory. The interesting thing about this coin is that it features a lifetime portrait of Julius Caesar in the short time that he issued this coin before being assassinated. Being minted for only a short time February to March of 44 B.C., this is a historically significant coin and a must-have key piece for an ancient coin collection. The portrait of Julius Caesar was used by historical personages such as Mark Antony and Augustus (first Roman emperor) after his death as a tool to assume the political power and love the people had towards Caesar. The portrait coins that were issued during the lifetime of Julius Caesar, therefore, as they are scarcer in number than many of his other issues, and being minted for a very short time is something of great historical value as being from a key historical point that has echoed to our times and made Western Civilization the way it is today.
Triumvirs
Mark Antony & Octavian Augustus Silver Denarius 18mm (3.20 grams) Ephesus mint: Spring-early summer 41 B.C.
Reference: Mark Antony and Augustus 8; B. 51 and 96; B.M.C. 103; Craw. 517/2 Provenance: Coin Galleries May 25, 1988, No. 256
M . ANTON . IMP . AVG . III . VIR . R . P . C. M. BARBAT . Q . P., Bare head of Mark Antony right.
CAESAR IMP . PONT . III . VIR . R . P . C. – Bare head of Octavian Augustus right.
This moneyer was a friend of Julius Caesar. In B.C. 41 he was quaestor pro praetore to Antony in the East.
Mark Antony
Mark Antony & His Wife Octavia (Sister of Augustus) Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm 26mm (11.32 grams) Ephesus mint, Summer-autumn 39 B.C.
Reference: RPC I 2202; CRI 263; Sydenham 1198; RSC 3 Certification: NGC Ancients VG 4375823-280
M ◦ ANTONIVS IMP ◦ COS ◦ DESIG ◦ ITER ◦ ET TERT, Conjoined busts of Antony, wearing ivy wreath, and Octavia, bareheaded and draped, right.
III ◦ VIR ◦ R ◦ P ◦ C ◦, Dionysus (Bacchus) standing left, holding cantharus and thyrsus, on cista between two snakes.
This type was likely struck to commemorate the marriage between Mark Antony and Octavia (sister of Augustus).
Mark Antony
Silver Denarius 18mm (2.89 grams) Mint moving with Antony, probably Athens, 33 B.C., under M. Junius Silanus
Reference: RSC 71. Babelon 97. C 71. Sydenham 1208. Sear Imperators 346. RBW 1830. Crawford 542/1 Certification: NGC Ancients VG 4529166-014
ANTON •AVG•IMP•III•COS•DES•III•IIV•R•P•C•, Bare head of Mark Antony right.
M•SILANVS•AVG Q•PRO•COS in two lines.
This issuer, Marcus Junius Silanus, was the step-brother of Brutus who murdered Julius Caesar. After the treaty of Misenum, in 39 B.C., Silanus went to Rome and then to the East to join Antony and was given the governorship of one of the provinces. It was during this period that he struck these coins.
Mark Antony
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.20 grams)
Struck at Actium 32-31 B.C. for Mark Antony’s X Legion
Reference: RSC 38; B.M.C. East, 202; Syd. 1228; Craw. 544/24
ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley under oar right, mast with streamers at prow.
Legionary aquila (eagle) between two signa (standards), LEG X below.
Roman military commander, friend of Julius Caesar, lover of Cleopatra and much more.
* Numismatic Note: This coin was struck by Antony for the use of his fleet and legions when he was preparing for the struggle with Octavian. These coins furnish an interesting record of the number of legions of which Antony’s army was composed. These denarii are of baser metal than the ordinary currency of the time and might be described as “money of necessity.”
Antonia – Augusta 37 & 41 A.D. Bronze Dupondius 27mm (13.67 grams) Rome mint: 41-42 A.D. under emperor Claudius
Reference: RIC 92; Sear 5 #1902; Cohen 6
ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Antonia right.
TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP S-C, Claudius, togate, standing left, holding simpulum.
Antonia was one of the two daughters of Augustus’ sister, Octavia and Mark Antony, both being named Antonia. Born in Athens in 36 B.C., she never got to know her father who committed suicide several years after divorcing her mother. She is the mother of Claudius and grandmother of Caligula.
Greek Kigdom of Mauretenia Juba II – King 25 B.C. – 23 A.D. Juba II & Cleopatra Selene Silver Denarius 17mm (3.23 grams)
Reference: Sear GIC 6005; Müller III, 109,95 Certification: NGC Ancients XF 4375823-293
REX IVBA, Diademed head of Juba II right.
BACIΛICCA KΛЄOΠΑΤΡΑ, large star within crescent.
Mauretenia was a North African kingdom, the land of the Moors. It was annexed by the Romans on the death of Bocchus III in 33 B.C. However, eight years later Augustus restored the kingdom and placed on the throne his friend Juba II, the son of Juba I of Numidia who had lost his throne at the battle of Thapsus in 46 B.C., to Julius Caesar. Juba II was only an infant at the time of his father’s defeat and death. Being a cultured man, he introduced Hellenistic and Roman customs to his realm and built fine cities, such as Caesarea (formerly Iol) and Volubilis. He was the author of many books, which are now lost, and a distinguished patron of the arts. His first wife, Cleopatra Selene, was the daughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Juba’s second wife was Glaphyra, daughter of Archelaus, king of Cappadocia. After a long and prosperous reign he was eventually succeeded, in A.D. 23, by his son, with Clepatra Selene, Ptolemy. Following Ptolemy’s assassination seventeen years later by the unstable emperor Caligula, in 40 A.D., Mauretenaia was then divided into two parts, Tingitana and Caesariensis, both of which constituted Roman provinces and administered by procurators.
Welcome to my article regarding the rarest ancient Greek coins. The goal of this video is to make owning the rarest ancient Greek coins easy and fun to do. The coins picked for this article and video are the rarest ones, according to Oliver D. Hoover’s Handbook of Greek Coins (abbreviated to HGC when I cite these multi volumes). This article and video is designed to show you some very rare and even super rare ancient Greek coins along with how to research them, the best references to get and how and where to get them.
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Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond, running the eBay store Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Tyndaris in Sicily
Bronze 22mm (6.15 grams) Struck circa 44-36 B.C. or later
Reference: HGC 2, 1641 (R2); RPC I, no. 650 (Segesta)
M.VIPS.DOSV.F …, Pilei surmounted by stars.
EX/D.D, Dolphin leaping right.
Founded by Dionysios of Syracuse in 396 B.C. for the settlement of exiles from Greece expelled by the Spartans following the Peloponnesian War. The city was named after Tyndareos, father of the Dioscuri.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Tauromenion in Sicily
Silver 12mm (1.72 grams) Struck circa 392-358 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1608 (R1); CNS III, nos. 2-3
Phrygian helmet right.
TA monogram within laurel wreath.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Thermai Himeraiai in Sicily
Bronze 14mm (2.77 grams) Struck 407-340 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1627 (R1); Sear 1111; B.M.C.2.2
Head of Hera right, wearing stephanos ornamented with honeysuckle.
Head of young Hercules right, in lion’s skin.
The refugees from Himera were permitted by the Carthaginians to found a new settlement at the hot springs not far from the the old city.
Greek coin of the Kings of Paphlagonia
King Pylaimenes II or III
Bronze 16mm (3.91 grams) Struck circa 133-103 B.C.
Reference: SNG Black Sea 1555-1556; HGC 7, 441 Rare R1; Sear 3715; B.M.C.13.103,2-3
Bull’s head facing.
Winged caduceus; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΠΥΛΑΙΜΕΝΟΥ/ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ to left.
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
Bronze Hexonkia 27mm (17.10 grams) Struck circa 400-380 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 139 (R1); CNS I, p. 194-195, nos. 89-89 st 1
AKPAΓΑΣ, Horned head of River-god Gelas left, wearing tainia.
Eagle standing left on Ionic column, head right, crab to left; value mark (six pellets) to right.
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
SICULO-PUNIC coin struck for Carthage
Time of 2nd Punic War against Rome led by general Hannibal
Silver Eighth Shekel or Hemidrachm 14mm (1.17 grams) Struck circa 214-210 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 173 Rare R2; SNG ANS 3, no. 1233
Male head (ostensibly Triptolemus) right, wreathed with grain.
Punic letters below horse galloping right.
The city of Carthage had many cities of Sicily under their control during the 2nd Punic war with Akragas being one of them. This is an excellent example of a Carthaginian coin being struck in Sicily, giving it the name of being Siculo-Punic.
Akragas (Agrigentum), was a city of great wealth and importance in the 5th Century B.C., but in 406 B.C. it was sacked by the Carthaginians, a disaster from which it never fully recovered; finally fell to the Romans in 210 B.C.
Greek city of Thasos, an Island offThraceSilver Hemiobol 7mm (0.38 grams) Struck circa 411-404 B.C.
Reference: HGC 6, 340 Rare R1; Le Rider 12
Head of Silenos right.
Θ-A-Σ, Dolphin leaping left above dolphin leaping right.
Greek city of Panormos in Sicily
Bronze Tetras or Trionkion 20mm (11.10 grams) Struck circa 415-400 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1054 Rare R1; CNS I, p. 269, nos. 2-2/5
Cock (rooster) standing right.
Three pellets value mark.
The principal Phoenician city in Sicily, Panormos produced a limited coinage in the latter part of the 5th Century; but following the great success of Carthaginian arms, 409-405 B.C., the issues of the mint became much larger. The types are mostly copied form the coinages of other Sicilian cities, such as Gela, Segesta and Syracuse.
Greek city of Solus in Sicily
Bronze 13mm (2.11 grams)Struck late fourth century B.C.Reference: HGC 2, 1254 Rare R1 ; CNS I. p. 309, nos. 5-5/3; Sear 1181; B.M.C.2.,p.242,5
Head of Athena three-quarter face to right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet.
Punic legend ‘kfra’. Naked archer kneeling right, about to discharge arrow from bow.
A Phoenician town not far from Panormos, and a dependency of Carthage until the First Punic War.
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
Bronze Trias 17x16x12mm (11.71 grams) Cast circa 450 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1020; B.M.C. 2.,p. 24, nos. 3,4; HGC 2, 127 Rare (R1)
On one side, two eagle’s heads back to back, A beneath the one on left; on the other, crab;
on the base, three pellets (value mark).
* Numismatic Note: Tooth-shaped, with flat base, and possibly a weight rather than actual coin.
Akragas (Agrigentum), was a city of great wealth and importance in the 5th Century B.C., but in 406 B.C. it was sacked by the Carthaginians, a disaster from which it never fully recovered; finally fell to the Romans in 210 B.C.
Greek city of Orchomenos in Boeotia
Bronze 15mm (2.91 grams) Struck circa 371-364 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 1260 Rare R1; Babelon III, no. 326; BCD Boiotia 225 and 227a
Boeotian shield decorated with grain ear.
E – P – X – O, Eight-pointed star around central pellet.
Greek city of Leontini in Sicily
Bronze 14mm (2.54 grams) Struck late second-early first centuries B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 725 Rare R1 ; CNS III, p. 83, nos. 15-15/4; Sear 1122 var.
Laureate head of Apollo left; plow to right.
Forepart of lion facing left; monogram blow.
Indo Greek & Baktria Kingdom in India
Eukratides I Megas – King circa 171-145 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 34mm (16.08 grams) Uncertain mint in the Paropamisadai or Gandhara
Reference: HGC 12, 131; Bopearachchi Série 6; Bopearachchi & Rahman -; SNG ANS 473; MIG Type 177l
Certification: NGC Ancients AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5 4278655-007
Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border.
BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛΟΥ above, EYKPATIΔOY below, the Dioskouroi on horses rearing right, palm fronds and lances; monogram to right.
Seleukid EmpireSeleukos II Kallinikos – King: 246-225 B.C.
Bronze 16mm (3.70 grams) Magnesia on the Maiandros or perhaps Ephesos mint
Reference: HGC 9, 347 (Rare R2-R3); SC 670 and 673
Head of Artemis artemis right, wearing stephane.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ either side of Apollo Delphios standing left, holding arrow and grounded bow.
Seleukid EmpireAntiochos III, Megas – King: 222-187 B.C.
Bronze 17mm (8.62 grams) Uncertain Mint 67 in Seleukia or Mesopotamia
Reference: HGC 9, 527 Rare R3
Diademed head of Antiochos III right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANTIOXOY, Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow and grounded bow; monogram in field to left.
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia
Philip V – King: 221-179 B.C.
Bronze 19mm (7.22 grams) Struck circa 221-179 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 1068 Rare R1; Sear 6797; Forrer/Weber 2204
Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion’s skin.
BA / Φ above and beneath two goats kneeling right, side by side.
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily
Bronze 17mm (4.79 grams) under king Hieron II, struck circa 269/265-240 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1552 Rare R1; CNS II, p. 407, nos. 202-202/7
Laureate head of Apollo left.
IEPΩNOΣ, Horse galloping right.
When in it’s foundations that the city of Syracuse only consisted of the island of Ortygia, that island was said to have been the home of the nymph Arethusa. She had been a chaste, faithful attendant of Artemis. It is said that she got the unwanted attentions from the river god, Alpheios, while bathing in his Peloponnesian stream. Artemis hid her in a cloud in an attempt to save her, however she sweated so profusely out of fear that she was transformed into a stream. Artemis broke apart the ground to allow her to escape. She found her way to the island of Ortygia where she became the fountain on that island.
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
Silver Tetradrachm 24mm (17.20 grams) struck circa 464-446 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 87 Rare R1; SNG Lewis 289, SNG ANS 979-981
Pedigree: Ex Christopher “Kit” Reed Collection
Sea eagle standing left; AKRAC-ANTOΣ (partially retrograde) around.
Crab within shallow incuse circle.
Akragas (Agrigentum), was a city of great wealth and importance in the 5th Century B.C., but in 406 B.C. it was sacked by the Carthaginians, a disaster from which it never fully recovered; finally fell to the Romans in 210 B.C.
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 18mm (6.03 grams) Struck circa 360-356 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 449 Rare R2; Hermann pl. IV, 17; SNG Copenhagen 118; BCD Thessaly I, 1136; BCD Thessaly II, 186 | Pedigree: Ex Christopher “Kit” Reed Collection
ΛAPIΣAION above bull running right.
Horseman wearing kausia and cape riding right.
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 18mm (6.07 grams) Struck circa 369-360 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 438 Rare R2; BCD Thessaly I, 1135; BCD Thessaly II, 185; Babelon IV, 699; Herrmann group VIII, pl. VII, 11; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 12; Jameson 2469; Gulbenkian 473 (all from the same dies) | Pedigree: Ex Christopher “Kit” Reed Collection; Ex CNG Sale 78, May 14, 2008. Lot 463
ΛEY, head of Aleuas facing three-quarters left, wearing conical helmet (pileus), labrys in field to right.
ΛΑΡΙΣΣΑΙΑ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head turned right; EΛΛΑ to left.
This is one of the rarest issues of Larissa, and also one with the most different interpretations. In one this drachm is meant to have been struck as propaganda for the Aleuad Hellanokrates, whose name appears on the reverse, against the machinations of Alexander of Pherai in 361. Another view sees it as a homage to Alexander III of Macedon, in honor of the supposed joint ancestry of the Macedonian royal house and the Thessalians, and thus it would date to the mid 330s, at the same time as Alexander’s own early eagle coinage. The further possibility of this being a result of Alexander of Pherai’s occupation of Larissa in 370 seems very unlikely.
A note from BCD: Hoard information certainly dismisses the possibility of this coin having been sruck in the 330’s BC.
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Bosporus
Leukon II – Spartocid Dynasty King, circa 240-220 B.C.
Bronze 24mm (12.40 grams) Pantikapaionmint
Reference: HGC 7, 189 Rare R1; MacDonald 99; Anohin 134
Head of young Hercules right, wearing lion skin headdress.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΛΕΥΚΩΝOΣ above and below the club and bow of Hercules.
Macedonian Kingdom
Demetrios I, Poliorketes – King: 306-283 B.C.
Bronze 19mm (4.65 grams) Mint in Caria, struck circa 298-295 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 1021 Rare R1; Newell 1927, nos. 39 and 166; SNG München -; SNG Alpha Bank -; Weber 2176
Laureate head of Poseidon right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ, Athena Promachos standing right, preparing to throw spear and holding shield; monogram to inner left, double-axe (labrys) to inner right.
Son of Antigonos the One-eyed, Demetrios Poliorketes (the ‘Besieger’) was a romantic character who pursued a most colorful career spanning more than three decades. In his earlier years he assisted his father, whose power was centered in Asia Minor, and in 306 he achieved a great naval victory over Ptolemy of Egypt, in the battle of Salamis, off the coast of Cyprus. After many vicissitudes he seized the Macedonian throne in 294, although he reigned for only six years the dynasty which he founded lasted until the end of the Macedonian Kingdom. He died as a captive in Syria in 283 B.C.
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia
Philip V – King: 221-179 B.C.
Bronze 14mm (3.39 grams) Pella or Amphipolis mint
Struck under Philip V, circa 200-179 B.C. or Philip VI Andriskos (circa 150-148 B.C.)
Reference: HGC 3, 1081 Rare R1; Mamroth 1935, no. 28
Head of Perseus in Phrygian helmet right.
ΒΑ/Φ, Harpa; all within oak wreath.
* Numismatic Note: Very interesting type that could be attributed to even Philip VI!
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Striking for Macedonia “MAKEΔΟΝΩΝ” as a unified Region
Bronze 20mm (6.81 grams) Amphipolis mint
Probably struck under Philip VI Andriskos, circa 149-148 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 333 Rare R1; AMNG III.2, p. 38, nos. 70-71
Laureate head of Apollo right.
MAKE / ΔΟΝΩΝ above and below bow and kithara (lyre); monogram to right.
Greek city Eleusis in Attica
Eleusian Festival Coinage
Bronze 14mm (3.25 grams) Struck circa 322/317-307 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2574 var.; HGC 4, 1769 (Rare R1) (Athens); Kroll 1993, nos. 48-49
Triptolemos, favorite of Demeter, seated left in winged car drawn by serpents, holding corn-ears.
ΕΛΕΥ above boar standing right on bacchos (mystic staff); all within grain wreath.
The obverse is inspired by a statue of Triptolemos that was presumably still in its temple when Pausanias (I. 38, 6) visited Eleusis in about AD 160: “The Eleusians have a temple to Triptolemos… They say that the plain called Rharion was the first to be sown and the first to grow crops… Here is shown a threshing floor and altar. My dream forbade the description of the things within the wall of the sanctuary, and the uninitiated are of course not permitted to learn that which they are prevented from seeing.”
Situated north-west of Athens, Eleusis possessed a magnificent temple of Demeter, and gave it’s name to the famous Eleusinian mysteries, concerned with the cults of Demeter and Persephone.
Greek city of Rhodes on an Island off CariaSilver Hemidrachm 11mm (1.51 grams) Struck circa 275-250 B.C.
Reference: HGC 6, 1447 Rare R1Pedigree / Provenance: Ex Coin Galleries Mail Bid Sale February 10, 1993 Lot No. 424
Head of Helios facing three-quarters right.
P-O, rose with bud right; magistrate’s name APIΣΤΟΝΟΜΟΣ above; prow of galley in field to left.
This coin, with the head of Helios is a reference to the great “Colossus of Rhodes” statue in the city, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The “rose” is a pun on the city’s name “rhodos” in Greek.
Greek city of Himera in Sicily
Bronze Hemilitron 24mm (18.14 grams) Struck circa 430-420 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 463 Rare R2; Sear 1105; B.M.C. 2.,p.39,27-30; CNS I, p. 25, nos. 1-1/2
Certification: NGC Ancients XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 4375810-012
Gorgon’s head facing.
Six pellets.
Greek city of Pherai in Thessaly
Silver Hemidrachm 15mm (2.80 grams) Struck circa 302-286 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4; 553 Rare R2; Jameson 2474; BCD Thessaly I, lot 1321; BCD Thessaly II, lot 714
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-400
Laureate head of Ennodia left; torch to right.
ΦEPAIOYN, Hypereia standing left, touching lion head fountain; ΑΣTO within wreath in field to left.
Greek city of Pantikapaion in Cimmerian Bosporus
Silver Hemidrachm 12mm (2.50 grams) Struck circa 370-355 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 68 Rare R2; MacDonald 45; Anohin 104
Certification: NGC Ancients F 4375823-314
Head of young Pan, the satyr, right, wreathed with ivy.
ΠΑΝTI, Lion advancing right, head reverted.
Greek city of Pantikapaion in Cimmerian Bosporus
Silver Diobol 13mm (1.34 grams) Struck circa 450-437 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 34 (Rare R2); SNG Strancomb 580; SNG BM Black Sea 841; MacDonald 11/1; Anohin 20
Certification: NGC Ancients XF 4375823-269
Lion’s head facing.
Quadrapartitie incuse square with two raised compartments and two enclosing stellate pattern.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Sinope in Paphlagonia
Silver Hemidrachm 14mm (1.95 grams) Struck circa 300-200 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 411 (R1); Sear 3704; SNG Black Sea 1510-1512; B.M.C.13.98,30-32
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-241
Turreted head of Tyche left.
Eagle flying upward, head left; ΣΙΝ-Ω in lower field; bunch of grapes to left; monogram in field to right.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Pantikapaion in Cimmerian Bosporus
Bronze 21mm (7.57 grams) Struck circa 310-303 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 113 Rare R1; MacDonald 69; Anohin 111; Sear 1700; B.M.C.3.20
Certification: NGC Ancients AU 4529163-004
Head of Pan, the satyr right.
ΠΑΝ, Forepart of griffin advancing left; sturgeon below.
Greek Coin of Seleukid KingdomAlexander II Zabinas – Reigned: 128-123 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 28mm Damaskos mint, dated Seleukid Era (SE) year 190, 123/122 B.C.
Reference: HGC 1149 Rare R1-R2; SC 2248.6.
Certification: NGC Ancients XF 1884244-037
Diademed head of Alexander Zabinas right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus seated left, holding Nike and scepter; monograms to outer left and below throne, date in exergue.
Surnamed Zebina or Zabinas (“the Bought One”), son of a merchant, but claiming to an adopted son of Antiochos VII Sidetes, or biological son of Alexander Balas. He was set up by Ptolemy VIIof the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as a pretender to the throne of the Seleukid kingdom, shortly after the return of Demetrios II Nikator from his captivity among the Parthians, circa B.C. 128. He defeated Demetrios in 125, but was afterwards defeated by the forces of Cleopatra Thea and her son Antiochos VIII Grypos by whom he was put to death in 122.
Greek city of Sinope in PaphlagoniaSilver Hemidrachm 14mm (2.48 grams) Struck 306-290 B.C.
Reference: Sear 3700; HGC 7, 421 Rare R1; SNG Black Sea 1504-1508
Certification: NGC Ancients XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 2068695-010
head of nymph Sinope left, hair rolled, wearing turreted head-dress.
ΣINΩ above prow left; before, aplustre and monogram.
A colony of Miletos, founded in the 7th century B.C., Sinope rose to become the most important city on the southern coastline of the Black Sea. Sinope was the city of Mithradates VI’s birth.
You can be really amazed once you know the truth that ancient Greek coins can be purchased very inexpensively here on eBay. The coins in this guide are in my store called Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins. The idea behind it is to help you learn the types of coins available out there and what you can almost expect from the selection. Bronze coins were struck in order to facilitate trade as you needed to get this “change” from the higher denomination gold and silver coins. However, upon studying the topic, some ancient Greek towns, rarely if ever struck any coins in silver and gold, but only in bronze. So it is possible that you can get a really valuable coin in bronze. Numismatic coin collecting is more interested in the history and the beauty rather than the metal content alone.
There are over 45 different coin types listed below, and in order to make this article as brief as possible only several of the types are shown here, however, when you click on the picture of each coin, you will be able to see the coins in my eBay store and explore more. They are arranged from the lowest priced coins to my higher priced coins. The better the condition, usually, the higher price an ancient commands. I tried my best to only include coins that you can buy for $100, $50 or even as low as about $20 here, so even though they may not win beauty contests, these are incredible value for the money.
ABDERA THRACE – Genuine 345BC Apollo Griffin Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60582
Greek city of Abdera in Thrace
Bronze 15mm (3.67 grams) Struck circa 345-323 B.C.
Reference: Strack 216 var.; SNGCop 374 var.
Griffin seated right on club; legend for magistrate below.
ABΔHPITEΩN, Head of Apollo right within square border.
AIGAI in Aiolis 2nd Cent BC Hermes & Goat Quality Ancient Greek Coin i31836
Greek city of Aigai in Aiolis
Bronze 13mm (2.75 grams) Struck circa 2nd-1st centuries B.C.
Reference: SNG München -; SNG Copenhagen 14; SNG von Aulock –
Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos.
Forepart of goat right; monograms above and to right, ΑΙΓΑΕΩN in exergue.
An inland town on the river Pythikos, south-east of Myrina. Symbols of Hermes were the palm tree, turtle, rooster, goat, the number four, several kinds of fish, incense. Sacrifices involved honey, cakes, pigs, goats, and lambs.
ALEXANDER III the Great 323BC Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin SHIELD HELMET i61361
Greek Coin of
Macedonian Kingdom
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C.
Bronze 16mm (4.06 grams) Struck circa: 323-315 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 958; Price 2063-2070, 3157-3159, 3161-3162;
Macedonian shield with gorgoneion in central boss.
B-A, Macedonian helmet.
Best known as Alexander the Great, he was a king (basileus in Greek) of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia. He was born in the city of Pella in 356 BC. By age 20, Alexander succeeded his father Philip II to the throne as king. He spent most of his years as king in an unprecedented military campaign of conquest through Asia, northeast Africa and even reached India. By age 30 he created one of the biggest empires in the ancient world, reaching from Greece to northwestern India. Being undefeated in battle, many consider him as one of history’s most successful military commanders. He could be considered one of history’s most important figures, having spread the Greek civilization far and wide, and was even admired by Julius Caesar along with many other important historical personages as well.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC Hercules Club Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin i59623
Greek Coin of
Macedonian Kingdom
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (4.87 grams) Mint in Macedonia. Struck circa 325-310 B.C.
Reference: Price 377; cf. Sear 6742 var.
Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress.
Weapons of Hercules, bow in quiver above, club (facing left) below; BA between; branch below.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 336BC LIFETIME Apollo Horse Ancient Greek Coin i60533
Greek Coin of
Macedonian Kingdom
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (2.46 grams) Pella or possibly Aigai mint, struck 336-323 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 928; Price 338-370; Sear 6744 cf.; Forrer/Weber 2150 cf.
Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia.
Horse prancing right; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ above.
AMISOS in PONTUS MITHRADATES VI the GREAT Time Perseus Pegasus Greek Coin i60568
Greek city of Amisos in Pontus
Bronze 26mm (12.63 grams) Struck under Mithradates VI the Great circa 105-90 B.C. or circa 90-85 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 239; SNG Black Sea 1212-1217; Sear 3639; B.M.C. 13.18,61
Head of Perseus right, wearing Phrygian helmet.
Pegasus standing left, drinking; in exergue, ΑΜΙΣΟΥ and two monograms.
Amisos was a flourishing Greek city on the Black Sea coast commanding an important trade route to the south, Amisos was founded in the 6th century B.C. It was re-settled by Athenians in the following century and they renamed the place Peiraeus.
AMPHIPOLIS in Macedonia 146BC RARE R2 Ancient Greek Coin POSEIDON & HORSE i61813
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Bronze 18mm (5.14 grams) Struck circa 146-31 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 424 Rare R2; SNGCop 67; Moushmov 5987; AMNG III.2, no 39
Diademed head of Poseidon right wearing tainia.
ΑΜΦΙΠΟ / ΛΙΤΩΝ above and below horse galloping right.
Amphipolis, a town in Macedonia on the left or eastern bank of the river Strymon, just below its egress from the lake Cercinities, and about 3 miles from the sea. The Strymon flowed almost around the town, nearly forming a circle, whence its name Amphipolis. It was originally called “the Nine Ways” and belonged to the Edonians, a Thracian people. Aristagoras of Miletos first attempted to colonize it, but was cut off with his followers by the Edonians in B.C. 497. The Athenians made a next attempt with 10,000 colonists, but they were all destroyed by the Edonians in 465. In 437 the Athenians were more successful, and drove the Edonians out of the “Nine Ways,” which was henceforth called Amphipolis. It was one of the most important of the Athenian possessions, being advantageously situated for trade on a navigable river in the midst of a fertile country, and near the gold mines of Mount Pangaeus. Hence the indignation of the Athenians when it fell in to the hands of Spartan general Brasidas (B.C. 424) and of Philip II of Macedon (B.C. 358). Under the Romans it was a free city, the capital of Macedonia prima: the Via Egnatia ran through it. The port of Amphipolis was Eion.
Antigonos II Gonatas 274BC Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin ATHENA PAN TROPHY i62226
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia
Antigonos II Gonatas – King: 277-239 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (3.82 grams) Struck circa 274-239 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6786; HGC 3, 1049; SNG Copenhagen 1205-1211
Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet.
Pan advancing right, erecting trophy of Galatian arms; B-A in upper field; ANTI monogram beneath Pan.
The English word panic is derived from the Greek deity Pan. It is said that Pan helped the Macedonian army in the battle that Antigonos had with the Gauls in 277 B.C. at the “Battle of Lysimacheia” and thus is shown on his coins erecting a trophy.
Antigonos II, Gonatas was son of Demetrios Poliorketes, and grandson of the preceding. He assumed the title of king of Macedonia after his father’s death in Asia in B.C. 283, but he did not obtain possession of the throne until 277 after achieving a notable victory over the Gallic invaders in Thrace. He was driven out of his kingdom by Pyrrhos, and again recovered his dominions. He attempted to prevent the formation of the Achaean league, and died 239. His surname Gonatas is usually derived from Gonnos or Gonni in Thessaly; but some think that Gonatas is a Macedonian word, signifying an iron plate protecting the knee. The Macedonian kingdom prospered again under his long and enlightened rule.
ANTIOCHOS II Theos 261BC Seleukid Tripod Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i62193
Seleukid Kindom
Antiochos II Theos – King: 261-246 B.C.
Bronze 16mm (4.44 grams) Struck circa 261-246 B.C.
Reference: HGC 9, 253; SC 520, 522-527, and 537-538
Laureate head of Apollo right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ANTIOXOY either side of tripod; anchor in exergue; monograms in field to left and right.
Antiochos II Theos (B.C. 261-246), son and successor of Antiochos I Soter to the throne of the Seleukid Kindom. The Milesians gave him his surname of Theos, because he delivered them from their tyrant, Timarchus. He carried on war with Ptolemy Philadelphos, king of Egypt, which was brought to a close by his putting away his wife Laodice, and marrying Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy. After the death of Ptolemy, he recalled Laodice, but in revenge for the insultshe had received, she caused Antiochos and Berenice to be murdered. During the reign of Antiochos, Arsaces founded the Parthian Empire (250 B.C.), and Theodotus established an independent kingdom in Baktria. He was succeeded by his son Seleukos Callinicus. His younger son Antiochos Hierax also assumed the crown, and carried on war some years with his brother.
ANTIOCHOS III Megas 223BC Seleukid Apollo Tripod RARE R1 – R2 Greek Coin i60536
Seleukid Empire
Antiochos III, Megas – King: 222-187 B.C.
Bronze 13mm (3.77 grams) Sardeis mint: 223-187 B.C.
Reference: HGC 9, 518 Rare R1-R2; SC 983
Laureate head of Apollo right.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ANTIOXOY either side of Apollo standing left, holding arrow held in right hand, left elbow resting on tall tripod; monograms in field to left and right.
AUGUSTUS 27BC Amphipolis Macedonia Artemis Bull Ancient Roman Coin i60576
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 19mm (6.69 grams) of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Reference: RPC I 1629; SNG ANS 160; SNG Copenhagen -; cf. Sear GIC 29
KAIΣΑΡOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, Bare head of Augustus right.
ΑΜΦΙΠΟΛEΙΤΩΝ, Artemis Tauropolos riding a bull right, holding a veil over her head.
AUGUSTUS Victory Over Julius Caesar Assassins Brutus & Cassius Roman Coin i60506
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 16mm (3.60 grams) from the city of Philippi in Northern Greece, Macedonia circa 27 B.C.-10 B.C.
Reference: Sear GIC 32; B.M.C.5.98,23
VIC.-AVG. either side of Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm.
COHOR. PRAE. PHIL., Three legionary standards.
Commemorates the battle of Philippi, 42 B.C., in which Octavian and Antony defeated the Republican tyrannicides Brutus and Cassius, who subsequently committed suicide. Augustus later settled the veterans of a Praetorian Cohort at Philippi, and he conferred upon them the right to mint coins, of which this is an example. The images on this coin presumably refer to the Emperor’s above described victory in 42 BC. The winged victory standing representing the cosmos. Such a coin is delivering, without words but in clear images that everyone would have understood, the message that Augustus now rules the world. All the old political institutions were re-established and the “dignity” of the Senate was restored, but actual power was now in the hands of one man alone.
AUGUSTUS 27BC Philippi Macedonia PRIESTS Founding City Oxen Roman Coin i59410
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 17mm (5.39 grams) Mint of Philippi (ostensibly) in Macedonia
Reference: Varbanov 3226; RPC I 1656
Bare head of Augustus right, AVG behind.
Two priests (pontiffs) plowing pomerium right with two oxen.
Carthage in Zeugitana 400BC Tanit Cult & Horse Rare Ancient Greek Coin i58781
Greek city of Carthage in Zeugitana
Bronze 15mm (4.21 grams) Struck 400-350 B.C.
Reference: Alexandropoulos 15a; SNG Copenhagen 97; Müller –
Head of Tanit left, wreathed with corn.
Horse galloping right; ground line beneath.
DEMETRIOS I Poliorketes MACEDONIA King Shield Helmet Ancient Greek Coin i60574
Macedonian Kingdom
Demetrios I, Poliorketes – King: 294-288 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (4.86 grams) Pella mint, circa 306-283 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6774; Newell 132; SNG Alpha Bank 969
Macedonian shield , with monogram of Demetrios at center.
BA ΣΙ either side of crested Macedonian helmet, in field to left, anchor.
Son of Antigonos the One-eyed, Demetrios Poliorketes (the ‘Besieger’) was a romantic character who pursued a most colorful career spanning more than three decades. In his earlier years he assisted his father, whose power was centered in Asia Minor, and in 306 he achieved a great naval victory over Ptolemy of Egypt, in the battle of Salamis, off the coast of Cyprus. After many vicissitudes he seized the Macedonian throne in 294, although he reigned for only six years the dynasty which he founded lasted until the end of the Macedonian Kingdom. He died as a captive in Syria in 283 B.C.
ELAIA in AEOLIS 2-1CenBC Demeter Torch Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i61539
Greek city of Elaia in Aeolis
Bronze 13mm (3.85 grams) Struck 2nd-1st centuries B.C.
Reference: Sear 4206; B.M.C. 17.127,20
Head of Demeter right, wreathed with corn.
Torch; EΛ – AI / T – ΩΝ; all within corn wreath.
EPHESOS in IONIA Genuine 387BC Bee Female Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i59663
Greek city of Ephesos in Ionia
Bronze 10mm (1.00 grams) Struck circa 387-295 B.C.
Reference: Sear 4409; B.M.C. 14.55,68-70; SNG von Aulock 1839; SNG Copenhagen 256
Female head, possibly of Artemis left.
Bee; E – Φ in upper field.
Situated at the mouth of the river Kayster, Ephesos was founded by Ionian colonists under Androklos. It rose to be a place of great importance in Classical and Hellenistic times, due in the main to the illustrious sanctuary of the Ephesian Artemis dating from the time of Kroisos of Lydia. After the end of the Pergamene Kingdom in 133 B.C. Ephesos passed under the rule of the Romans.
Hermocapelia in Lydia time of Hadrian 117AD Greek Coin Roman Senate Roma i45218
Greek city of Hermocapelia in Lydia
Bronze 15mm (2.73 grams) struck during the time of Hadrian circa 117-138 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 5019; B.M.C. 22.99,7; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 2947
ΙЄPA CYNKΛHΤOC, Draped bust of the Roman Senate right.
ЄΡΜΟΚΑΠΗΛΙΤΩΝ, Turreted and draped bust of Roma right, monogram before.
Hermocapelia. This town is identified with the modern Geukche-keui on the north side of the Hyrcanian plain, a few miles south-west of Apollonis.
KASSANDER killer of Alexander the Great’s FAMILY Ancient Greek Coin Horse i60963
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia
Kassander – Regent: 317-306 B.C. & King: 306-297 B.C.
Bronze 22mm (6.84 grams) Pella mint, struck circa 305-297 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6754; HGC 3, 992; SNG Alpha Bank I, nos. 930-931
Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion’s skin headdress.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / KAΣΣAΝΔΡΟΥ above and beneath nude youth riding horse prancing right, holding palm branch.
Kassander, son of Antipater. His father, on his death-bed (B.C. 319), appointed Polysperchon regent, and conferred upon Kassander only the secondary dignity of Chiliarch (cavalry commander). Being dissatisfied with this arrangement, Kassander strengthened himself by an alliance with Ptolemy and Antigonos, and entered into war with Polysperchon. In 318 B.C., Kassander obtained possession of Athens and most of the cities in the south of Greece. In 317 he was recalled to Macedonia to oppose Olympias (mother of Alexander III, the Great). He kept her besieged in Pydna throughout the winter of 317, and on her surrender in the spring of the ensuing year, he put her to death. The way now seemed open to him to the throne of Macedonia. He placed Roxana (wife of Alexander III, the Great) and her young son, Alexander (IV) Aegus (son of Alexander III, the Great), in custody at Amphipolis, not thinking it safe as yet to murder them; and he connected himself with the regal family by marriage with Thessalonica, half-sister of Alexander the Great. He founded the city of Thessalonica in her honor in 315. In 315 Kassander joined Seleukos I, Ptolemy I, and Lysimachos in their war against Antigonos I, Monophthalmus, of whose power they had all become jealous. This was was upon the whole unfavorable to Kassander, who lost most of the cities in Greece. By the general peace of 311, it was provided that Kassander was to retain his authority in Europe until Alexander Aegus should be grown to manhood. Kassander thereupon put to death the young king and his mother Roxana. In 310 the war was renewed, and Heracles, the son of Alexander III by his mistress Barsine, was brought forward by Polysperchon as a claimant to the Macedonian throne; but Kassander bribed Polysperchon to murder the young prince and his mother in 309. In 306 Kassander took the title of king, when it was assumed by Antigonos I, Lysimachos, and Ptolemy I. In the following years, Demetrios Poliorketes, the son of Antigonos I, carried on the war in Greece with great success against Kassander; but in 302 Demetrios was obliged to pass into Asia, to support his father; and next year, 301, the decisive battle of Ipsus was fought, in which Antigonos I and Demetrios were defeated, and the former slain, and which gave Kassander Macedonia and Greece. Kassander died of dropsy in 297, and was succeed by his son Philip IV.
Krannon in Thessaly 400BC Horseman Water Jug Hydria Ancient Greek Coin i58939
Greek city of Krannon in Thessaly
Bronze 16mm (4.21 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2073 var.; HGC 4, 385
Horseman galloping right.
Hydria, mounted on wheels.
The city was near the source of the river Onchestos. People of Krannon held Poseidon in high regard. The city derived it’s name from the various springs in the area (called kranna in Aiolic Greek). The city had an abundance of sheep and horses grazing in the plains which brought it great wealth. In times of drought, they had a hydria on wheels which they paraded through the city accompanied by prayers to Apollo, which it was famous for. There was also a temple of Athena and Asclepius in the city.
KYME in AEOLIS – Genuine 350BC Horse & Vase Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60520
Greek city of Kyme in Aeolis
Bronze 15mm (3.02 grams) Struck circa 350-250 B.C.
Reference: Sear 4188 var.; B.M.C. 17.108, 40 var.
Forepart of prancing horse right, KY above, magistrate’s name below.
One-handled vase; monogram to left.
By far the most important of the Aiolian coastal cities, Kyme was situated southwest of Myrina. For much of its history it was dominated by great powers – Athens, the Hellenistic Kingdoms and, finally, Rome.
THESSALIAN LEAGUE Larissa 196BC Greek Coin ATHENA APOLLO Healer Cult i43386
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
under Thesssalian League
Bronze Dichalkon 17mm (4.24 grams) Struck Late 2nd – mid 1st century B.C.
Ippaitas, magistrate
Reference: Rogers 44
ΙΠΠΑI-ΤΑΣ above and below head of Athena in Corinthian helmet right.
ΘΕΣΣΑΛΩΝ above and beneath horse galloping right.
Larissa was an important town of Thessaly, in Pelasgiotis, situated on the Peneios river, in an extensive plain. It was once the capital of the Pelasgi, and had a democratic constitution, but subsequently became subject to the Macedonians. It retained its importance under the Romans, and after the time of Constantine the Great, became the capital of the province of Thessaly. This city was named after a local water nymph named Larissa. The story goes that the nymph drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios River. In Greek mythology, the Greek hero Perseus accidentally killed his grandfather, King Akrisios of Argos when participating in the funeral games held in the city for nymph Larissa. The people of that city made their wealth from the rich agricultural area around the city and from breeding horses.
Lysimacheia in Thrace 309BC Ancient Greek Coin Young Hercules NIke Cult i37469
Greek city of Lysimacheia in Thrace
Bronze 19mm (3.76 grams) Struck 309-281 B.C.
Head of young Hercules right, in lion’s skin.
ΛYΣΙΜΑ / XΕΩΝ either side of Nike standing facing, holding wreath and palm.
Founded by Lysimachos in 309 B.C., close to the site of Kardia which he had destroyed. This city became the principal residence and European mint of the King of Thrace.
LYSIMACHOS 297BC Thrace King Hercules Wreath Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60831
Greek Coin of Kingdom of Thrace
Lysimachos – King: 323-281 B.C. –
Bronze 14mm (2.35 grams) Struck in the Kingdom of Thrace circa 297-281 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6822; Muller, pl. II,14; Forrer/Weber 2735
Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion’s skin.
BAΣΙ / ΛΥΣI within corn-wreath. One of the most remarkable of the ‘Successors’ of Alexander, Lysimachos was of Thessalian stock and was a bodyguard of the great Macedonian King. In the confused period following Alexander’s death he obtained the government of Thrace, and in 309 B.C. founded his capital city of Lysimacheia where many of his coins were struck. In 305 B.C. he took the title of King, and four years later extended his rule over much of Asia Minor following the defeat of Antigonos the One-eyed at Ipos. His later years were marred by domestic tragedy and his harsh rule made him unpopular with his subjects. In 281 B.C. Lysimachos, now aged 80, was attacked by Seleukos of Syria who was only two years his junior. Lysimachos died fighting at the battle of Korupedion and his kingdom disappeared with him. But his memory lived on and generations later a number of mints in the Black Sea area restored his coin types for their autonomous issues.
Maroneia in Thrace 148BC Ancient Greek Coin Nude Dionysos Wine God i31739
Greek city of Maroneia in Thrace
Bronze 18mm (5.24 grams) Struck circa 148-80 B.C.
Reference: Moushmov 3942
Wreathed head of Dionysos.
MAPΩNITΩN, nude Dionysus standing left holding bunch of grapes and thyrsos.
Maroneia, a town on the south coast of Thrace, situated on the north bank of the lake Ismaris and on the river Sthenas, more anciently called Ortagurea. It belonged originally to the Cicones, but afterwards received colonists from Chios. It was celebrated for its excellent wine, which even Homer mentions. The city boasted a sanctuary of Dionysus, the Roman equivalent of Bacchus, the god of wine. Dionysus was represented, along with his symbol of bunches of grapes on the city’s coins.
MARONEIA Thrace 400BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin w HORSE & WINE GRAPES i62203
Greek city of Maroneia in Thrace
Bronze 15mm (3.38 grams) Struck 400-350 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1636; B.M.C. 3.65
Horse prancing right; monogram beneath.
ΜΑΡΩΝΙΤΩΝ around three sides of linear square containing vine; monogram beneath.
MESEMBRIA in THRACE Black Sea Area Athena Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i59513
Greek city of Mesembria in Thrace
Bronze 18mm (5.08 grams) Struck circa 275-175 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1676; B.M.C. 3.8-10; Topalov, Messambria 16; SNG BM Black Sea 280-3; SNG Stancomb 235; SNG Copenhagen 661
Diademed female head right.
METAM / BRIANΩN either side of Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing spear and holding shield.
An important colony of Megara, Mesembria was situated on the Black Sea coast, north of Apollonia Pontika.
ODESSOS in THRACE 270BC Great God Derzelas on Horse Ancient Greek Coin i59533
Greek city of Odessos in Thrace
Bronze 19mm (6.33 grams) Struck circa 270-188 B.C.
Reference: Moushmov 1527; Topalov, Odesos pp. 177-8, 3 and 5 var.; SNG Stancomb 264 var.
Laureate head of the Great God Derzelas right.
Oiniadai in Akarnania 219BC Zeus Man-Headed River Bull Ancient Greek Coin i60644
Greek city of Oiniadai in Akarnania
Bronze 22mm (6.05 grams) Struck circa 219-211 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 899; Sear 2298 var.; BMC Central, pp. 189-190, nos. 6-14; BCD Akarnania 345-352
Laureate head of Zeus right.
OINIAΔAN, Bearded head of river-god Achelous right.
In the extreme south of the country, near the mouth of the Achelous, Oiniadai was close to the Aitolian border.
Heros, the Rider God of Odessos, riding right on high stepping horse, OΔHΣITΩN in exergue.
OLYNTHOS MACEDONIA 420BC Chalkidian League Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO LYRE i49241
Greek city of Olynthos in Macedonia
for the Chalkidian League
Bronze 14mm (3.50 grams) Struck circa 420-348 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1433; HGC 3, 511; B.M.C. 5.31; Cf. Robinson-Clement Group M; SNG ANS 552
Laureate head of Apollo right.
XAΛKIΔΕΩΝ, Lyre.
A colony of Chalkis, Olynthos became the center of opposition to Athenian imperialism in the North, and was the headquarters of the Chalkidian League formed circa 432 B.C. The city was captured and destroyed by Philip II, king of Macedon, in 348 B.C.
PELLA Macedonia Original 146BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin ATHENA & BULL i60795
Greek city of Pella in Macedonia
Bronze 19mm (7.88 grams) Struck circa 148-31 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1446; HGC 3, 615; Moushmov 6453; SNGCop 266ff; SNG ANS 7, nos. 598-617
Helmeted head of Athena Parthenos right
ΠEΛ-ΛHΣ, bull (ox) grazing right.
Founded by king Archelaus I of Macedonia (B.C. 413-399 B.C.) as a new capital to replace the older palace-city of Aigai (Vergina). It became the official capital and residence of the all the kings of Macedonia until about 167 B.C. Pella was in the Macedonian district of Bottiaea, was situated upon a hill, and upon a lake formed by the river Lydias, 120 stadia from its mouth. It continued to be a place of small importance until the time of Philip II, who made it his residence and capital of the Macedonian monarchy, and adorned it with many public buildings. It is frequently mentioned by subsequent writers on account of its being the birth-place of Alexander the Great. The original name of Pella was Bounomos (“Grazing Ox”), and is alluded to on some of the coins from the city with the grazing bull (ox). The coin types featuring Athena borrowed her image from issues of “new-style” coinage of Athens. Other imagery of various gods/goddesses on its coins were adopted from the royal coinages of previous kings. It was the capital of the one of the 4 districts into which Romans divided Macedonia, and was subsequently made a Roman colony under the name of Col. Jul. Aug. Pella. By around 180 A.D., Roman writer, Lucian described it in passing as “now insignificant, with very few inhabitants”.
PERGAMON in MYSIA 133BC Athena Trophy Helmet Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60791
Greek city of Pergamon in Mysia
Bronze 18mm (5.80 grams) Struck circa 150-50 B.C.
Reference: Sear 3960; B.M.C. 15. 112,22-3
Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet.
AΘΗΝΑΣ / ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ either side of trophy.
Situated in the Kaikos valley, about 15 miles from the coast, Pergamon was a city of uncertain origin and of no great importance before the time of Alexander the Great. In the 3rd century B.C. it became the center of the independent kingdom ruled by the Attalid dynasty founded by Philetairos. The city was extended and beautified as the prosperity of the kingdom increased, and by the late Hellenistic times Pergamon ranked as one of the great cultural centers of the Greek world. After the end of the kingdom, 133 B.C., Pergamon became capital of the Roman province of Asia.
Perseus Macedonian King 179BC Ancient Greek Coin Eagle Hero Perseus i31734
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Perseus – King: 179-168 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (5.30 grams) Struck in Macedonia circa 179-168 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6807, SNGCop 1279, Forrer/Weber 2222, var.
Head of the hero Perseus right, wearing winged cap terminating in bird’s head, harpa behind neck.
Eagle, wings open, standing left on thunderbolt, head right; BA above, ΠEP monogram to left.
* Numismatic Note: It is interesting to note that the same hero, Perseus whom, according to mythology, founded Macedonia has the same name as the last king of Macedonia.
The eldest son of Philip V, Perseus was the last king of Macedon. He inherited a kingdom already largely dependent on Rome, but his policies aroused Roman suspicions and armed conflict became inevitable. At the battle of Pydna, in 168 B.C., Perseus lost his kingdom and he died two years later as an exile in Italy.
PHILADELPHIA in LYDIA 2-1CenBC Macedonian Shield Thunderbolt Greek Coin i61743
Greek city of Philadelphia in Lydia
Bronze 12mm (4.04 grams) Struck 2nd-1st Century B.C.
Reference: Sear 4723; B.M.C.22.187,1; SNG Copenhagen 345 var. (monogram).
Circular Macedonian shield with star on boss.
ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛ / ΦEΩΝ above and beneath thunderbolt, monogram in upper field; all within olive-wreath.
Founded by Attalos II Philadelphos, King of Pergamon 159-138 B.C., Philadelphia was situated south-east of Sardes and commanded the important valley of Kogamis.
Philip II Alexander the Great Dad OLYMPIC GAMES Ancient Greek Coin Horse i51706
Kingdom of Macedonia Philip II – King: 359-336 B.C. – (Father of Alexander III the Great)
Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory
Bronze 16mm (6.12 grams) Struck circa 356-294 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6696-6699 var.; HGC 3, 882-886 var.
Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia.
Youth on horse prancing right, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above.
* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient Greek coin of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Fascinating coin referring to his Olympic victories.
PHILIP V Macedonia King 221BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin Hercules Harpa i60861
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Philip V – King: 221-179 B.C.
Bronze 19mm (7.67 grams) Struck circa 221-179 B.C.
Reference: SNGCop 1262
Head of bearded Hercules right in lion’s skin.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above and below harpa, ΔI above, all within oak wreath.
Son of Demetrios II, Philip V came to power in 221 B.C. on the death of Antigonos Doson. He was a vigorous ruler and maintained the power of the Macedonian kingdom in the earlier part of his reign. However, he made the mistake of arousing the enmity of the Romans, and in 197 B.C. his power was crushed at the battle of the Kynoskephalai by the Roman general T. Quinctius Flamininus. After this his power and territory were severely curtailed by Rome, and the days of the Macedonian kingdom were numbered.
PHILIPPI in MACEDONIA 357BC Hercules Tripod Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i54461
Greek city of Philippi in Macedonia
Bronze 17mm (5.40 grams) Struck 357-330 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1452 var.; B.M.C. 5.8 var.
Head of young Hercules left in lion’s skin.
Tripod ; ΦIΛIΠΠΩΝ to right.
Following Philip II’s capture of Amphipolis in 357 B.C. and his acquisition of the mining area of Mt. Pangaion, the mining center of Krenides was given the name of Philippi in the king’s honor.
Sardes in Asia Minor 133BC Ancient Greek Coin Nude Apollo Young Hercules i31470
Greek city of Sardes in Lydia
Bronze 15mm (4.22 grams) Struck circa 133-80 B.C.
Reference: Sear 4734
Laureate head of young Hercules right, lion’s skin knotted round.
Nude Apollo standing left, holding raven and laurel-branch; ΣΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ behind, monogram to left; all within laurel wreath.
The ancient capital of the Lydian Kings, Sardes lay under a fortified hill in the Hermos valley, at the important road junction. In the pre-Alexandrian age it was the center of the principal Persian satrapy, ad in all probability the mint-place of much of the Persian imperial coinage of darics and sigloi. In 189 B.C. it came under the rule of the Attalids of Pergamon, and fifty-six years later it passes to the Romans.
SARDES in Lydia 133BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO & HERCULES CLUB i61735
Greek city of Sardes in Lydia
Bronze 15mm (4.08 grams) Struck circa 133-80 B.C.
Reference: Sear 4736; B.M.C. 22.239,18
Laureate head of Apollo right.
ΣΑΡΔΙ /ΑΝΩΝ either side of club of Hercules, monogram to right; all within oak-wreath.
SELEUKOS I Nikator 312BC Genuine Ancient SELEUKID Greek Coin MEDUSA BULL i60960
Greek Coin of Seleukid Kingdom Seleukos I Nikator – King: 312-280 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (7.12 grams) Struck circa 312-280 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6852 var.; HGC 9, 92a
Winged head of Medusa right, serpents in hair.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΣEΛΕYKOY above and beneath humped bull butting right.
SIDE in PAMPHYLIA 25BC Rare Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO ATHENA i61319
Greek city of Side in Pamphylia
Bronze 17mm (3.15 grams) Struck circa 25 B.C. – 100 A.D.
Laureate head of Apollo right.
Athena standing left, holding Nike in right hand and shield with left; CIΔ-H across field.
An important coastal city, south-east of Aspendos, Side was a place of great antiquity, resettled by colonists from Kyme in the 7th-6th century B.C. Its inhabitants, who abandoned Greek in favor of curious local dialect, were reputed to be most dishonest, and the city was a center for piracy in the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
Syracuse Sicily 270BC King Hieron II Ancient Greek Coin Poseidon Trident i39152
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily
Bronze 18mm (5.90 grams) under king Hieron II, circa 240-215 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1223; HGC 2, 1550; B.M.C. 2. 603; CNS II, p. 407, nos. 201-201/7
Head of Poseidon left, wearing tainia.
Ornamented trident-head, between two dolphins, dividing IEPΩNOΣ.
When in it’s foundations that the city of Syracuse only consisted of the island of Ortygia, that island was said to have been the home of the nymph Arethusa. She had been a chaste, faithful attendant of Artemis. It is said that she got the unwanted attentions from the river god, Alpheios, while bathing in his Peloponnesian stream. Artemis hid her in a cloud in an attempt to save her, however she sweated so profusely out of fear that she was transformed into a stream. Artemis broke apart the ground to allow her to escape. She found her way to the island of Ortygia where she became the fountain on that island.
Temnos Aiolis 350BC Rare Ancient Greek Coin Dionysos Wine God Grapes i28088
Greek city of Temnos in Aiolis
Bronze 10mm (0.80 grams) Struck 350-300 B.C.
Reference: Sear 4228; B.M.C. 17.142,1
Head of bearded Dionysos left, wreathed with ivy.
Bunch of grapes dividing T – A.
Situated a short distance east of Neonteichos, on the hill-side above the right bank of the river Hermos.
THESSALONICA MACEDONIA 100BC Dionysus Goat Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60853
Greek city of Thessalonica in Macedonia
Bronze 17mm (5.67 grams) Struck circa 100-51 B.C.
Reference: HGC 3, 730; Moushmov 6610; SNGCop 365
Head of Dionysus right wreathed with ivy.
ΘEΣΣAΛO / NIKHΣ to left and right of goat standing right.
Thessalonica, more anciently Therma, an ancient city in Macedonia, situated at the N.E. Extremity of the Sinus Thermaicus. Under the name of Therma it was not a place of much importance. It was taken and occupied by the Athenians a short time before the commencement of the Peloponnesian war (B.C. 432), but was soon after restored by them to Perdiccas. It was made an important city by Cassander, who collected in this place the inhabitants of several adjacent towns (about B.C. 315), and who gave it the name of Thessalonica, in honor of his wife, the daughter of Philip and sister of Alexander the Great. From this time it became a large and flourishing city. Its harbor was swell situated for commercial intercourse with the Hellespont and the Aegean; and under the Romans it had the additional advantage of lying on the Via Egnatia, which led from the W. shores of Greece to Byzantium and the East. It was visited by Apostle Paula about A.D. 53; and about 2 years afterwards he addressed from Corinth 2 epistles to his converts in the city. Thessalonica continued to be, under the empire, one of the most important cities of Macedonia; and at a later time it became the residence of the prefect, and the capital, of the Illyrian provinces. It is celebrated at this period on account of the fearful massacre of its inhabitants by order of Theodosius, in consequence of a riot in which some of the Roman officers had been assassinated by the populace.
THYATEIRA in LYDIA 200BC Genuine Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO AXE i61306
Greek city of Thyateira in Lydia
Bronze 15mm (2.66 grams) Struck circa 200-100 B.C.
Reference Sear 4743; B.M.C. 22.292,7; SNG v. Aulock 3200
Laureate head of Apollo right.
Double-axe (labrys); ΘYATEIPHNΩΝ in fields.
TIBERIUS 14AD Colonists Founding PARIUM with OXEN Ancient Roman Coin i55590
Tiberius – Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D.
Bronze 16mm (3.33 grams) of Parium in Mysia, circa 14-37 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 268; B.M.C. 15. 103,89; Cohen 206, 195; RPC I 1657
TI AVG, Bare head of Tiberius right.
Two colonists plowing right with two oxen.
This type commemorates the founding of the city, and the measurement they used to plot out the city. The ancient Romans had a standard for a city block.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond, running the eBay store Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins.
Horses were a popular subject on both ancient Greek and Roman coins as they were important to the ancients. To truly think about it, the ancient economy, travel and even warfare was very dependent on this one majestic animal. This guide made by Ilya Zlobin of eBay’s Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins (a store where you can buy many great ancient coins) was created to get you educated about the subject of the various depictions of horses that were done on ancient coins. The coins shown here show various rulers on horseback, horses of various types and motifs along with the various gods and goddesses such as Zeus and Apollo. In the video above, along with the pictures and descriptions below, you can see just some of the ancient coins depicting horses that were minted. You can learn a lot from this article and see some of the coins by clicking the pictures or links below.
One part you can see here are the various types of chariots pulled by horses such as biga (2 horse chariot) the triga (three horse chariot) and quadriga (four horse chariot). You will see depictions of ancient Greek, Roman Republican and even Roman Imperial coins in this article with the theme of the horse flowing through the entire thing. Various Roman emperors such as Augustus, Septimius Severus, Geta, Caracalla, Marcus Aurelius and so many more were depicted heroically on horseback. It seems that more recent rulers have adopted this tradition as we still see heroic horse mounted statues of various heroes.
An ancient coin featuring the great undefeated “conqueror of the world”, Alexander the Great, features his portrait and him on his legendary horse Bucephalus. The horse after dying in the area of northern India even got a city named after it called Bucephalia. Alexander the Great loved his horse and wound up taming it as it was wild and beautiful horse. This can be actually see in the Hollywood Oliver Stone film Alexander Revisited Director’s Cut.
Various ancient Greek cities such as those from areas of ancient Sicily, Aeolis, Thessaly, Macedonia and many more had an appreciation for horses including the tactical advantage that they gave them. A city such as Larissa actually celebrated it’s horse raising in it’s agricultural hinterland and showed them on their coins proudly. King Philip II, wound even commemorating his horse racing victory in the ancient Greek Olympic games on his coins in bronze, silver and even gold!
Moving on to coins of the Roman Republic you will see various depictions from various victories versus foes such as those from Gaul, also chariots being driven by gods such as Apollo, Zeus and Victory.
Horses also took on more mythological distinctions such as that of the flying Pegasus or the half-horse half-mermaid nautical ocean swimming helper to Poseidon or Neptune. These depictions on ancient coins were also very interesting.
In conclusion, horses could be one of the biggest subjects of connecting various cultures such as those of the Greeks, the Romans and even later “dark ages” or “medieval” time people such as the Vandals. The subject of collecting ancient coins with horses could be a gratifying topic to pursue as there is such a variety of these different coins, with many being very reasonably or low priced.
ELAGABALUS on HORSE w LION 218AD Nicopolis Rare Ancient Roman Coin i19150
Elagabalus – Roman Emperor: 218-222 A.D. –
Bronze 26mm (10.31 grams) of Nicopolis ad Istrum in Moesia Inferior
Under magistrate Novius Rufus
AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNEINOC, Radiate draped bust right.
VΠ A NOB POVΦOV NIKOΠOLITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, Elagabalus on prancing horse right, cloak behind, holding spear pointed towards lion crouched left below.
* Numismatic Note: Intriguing rare reverse.
PROBUS 280AD Ancient Silvered Roman Coin Rare SOL Sun God Horse i21927
Probus – Roman Emperor: 276-282 A.D.
Silvered Bronze Antoninianus 24mm (4.75 grams) Cyzicus mint: 280 A.D.
Reference: RIC 911h, C 683
IMP CM AVR PROBVS P F AVG – Radiate bust left, wearing imperial mantle, holding
scepter with eagle atop.
SOLI INVICTO Exe: CM/XXIΔ – Sol riding oncoming quadriga, raising hand and holding whip with globe.
CONSTANTINE I the Great 337AD Heaven Horse CHARIOT Ancient Roman Coin i22243
Constantine I ‘The Great’– Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. –
POSTHUMOUS After Death Christian Deification Issue
Bronze AE4 15mm (1.74 grams) Struck at the mint of Cyzicus 337-340 A.D.
Reference: RIC 4 (VIII, Cyzicus)
DVCONSTANTINVSPTAVGG – Veiled head right.
No legend Exe: SMKЄ – Constantine I riding quadriga right, Hand of God above.
Posthumous means arising, occurring, or continuing after one’s death.
AZILISES 85BC INDO SKYTHIAN King on Horse Bull Ancient Greek Coin India i46654
Central Asia Indo Skythian Kings and Satraps in India Azilises – King, circa 85-43 B.C.
Square Bronze 27mm (11.64 grams) Uncertain mints in the Paromisadai or western Gandhara
Reference: HGC 12, 588 (R2); ISCH 2,58.3 and 58.4
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩN / ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ / ΑZΙΛΙΣΟΥ, Armored Skythian king advancing right on horseback with lowered spear.
(Maharajasa rajarajasa mahatasa Ayalishasa [of Great King, King of Kings Azilises the Great]), Bull standing left; monogram and kharoshthi letter above.
EPTIMIUS SEVERUS on horse 196AD Silver Authentic Ancient Roman Coin i51138
Septimius Severus – Roman Emperor : 193-211 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 17mm (2.97 grams) Rome mint 196 A.D.
Reference: RIC 74, S 6256, C 6
LSEPTSEVPERTAVGIMPVIII – Laureate head right.
ADVENTVIAVGFELICISSIMO – Septimus Severus riding horse right, raising hand.
GYRTON in THESSALY 400BC Gyrtona Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i53947
Greek city of Gyrton in Thessaly
Bronze 16mm (4.23 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 370; Sear 2086; Rogers 1932, no. 230; Weber 2807
Jugate heads right of Gyrton and horse.
ΓΥΡΤOΝΙΟΝ, Head of Gyrtona left.
Termessos Major in Pisidia 71BC Zeus Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i56085
Greek city of Termessos Major in Pisidia
Bronze 17mm (4.38 grams) Struck 71 B.C.
Reference: Sear 5495; B.M.C.19.268,3-4
Laureate head of Zeus right.
Free horse galloping left; A (=year 1) above, TEP beneath.
An important city of south-western Pisidia, high up in the Tauros mountains, Termessos at one time controlled a large area of territory extending into northern Lycia. Its position was given recognition by the Romans in 71 B.C. from which era its earliest coins date.
KYME in AEOLIS 250BC Amazon Horse Vase Authentic Rare Ancient Greek Coin i57274
Greek city of Kyme in Aeolis
Bronze Obol 17mm (5.77 grams) Struck circa 250-200 B.C., Magistrate Diodoros
Reference: Sear 4192 var.; Ashton, Classical, Series IVa; SNG Ashmolean 1364-5; SNG Copenhagen 96
Head of Amazon Kyme right, hair bound with ribbon. Horse pacing right, one-handled vase at feet; KY above; ΔΙΟΔΩΡOΣ in exergue.
By far the most important of the Aiolian coastal cities, Kyme was situated southwest of Myrina. For much of its history it was dominated by great powers – Athens, the Hellenistic Kingdoms and, finally, Rome.
PHILIP III – KASSANDER 323BC Macedonia OLYMPIC Horse Silver Greek Coin i57871
Greek Coin of
Macedonian Kingdom Philip III, Arrhidaeus – King of Macedonia: 323-317 B.C.
Silver 1/5 Tetradrachm 12mm (2.44 grams) Amphipolis mint.
Struck Philip III – Kassander. Circa 323/2-315 .BC.
Reference: Le Rider pl. 46, 20-1; SNG ANS 723-5
Head of Apollo right, wearing tainia.
ΦΙΛΠΠΟΥ, Horseman riding right; trident below.
History and Meaning of the Coin
During the times of ancient Greeks, horse racing was one of the events various Greek city-states and kingdoms would have intense competition with each other, as it was of great prestige to participate. Before the time of Philip II, the kingdom of Macedonia was considered barbarian and not Greek. Philip II was the first king of Macedon that was accepted for participation in the event, which was a great honor all in itself. It was an even greater honor that Philip’s horses would go on to win two horse-racing events. In 356 B.C., he won the single horse event and then in 348 B.C. chariot pulled by two horses event. As a way to proudly announce, or what some would say propagandize these honors, Philip II placed a reference to these great victories on his coins struck in all three metals of bronze, silver and gold. The ancient historian, Plutarch, wrote “[Philip of Macedon] … had victories of his chariots at Olympia stamped on his coins.”
ALEXANDER III the GREAT on HORSE Bucephalus MACEDONIA KOINON Greek Coin i57875
Alexander III the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C.
Pseudo-Autonomous Issue under the Romans
Bronze 24mm (7.38 grams) from the Koinon of Macedonia in Thrace
Struck circa time of emperor Severus Alexander, circa 222-235 A.D.
Reference: AMNG 565 var.
AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right with loose, flowing hair.
KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NЄΩ, Alexander the Great on his legendary horse, Bucephalus, galloping right with cape flowing behind him and raising right hand in which he holds a spear.* Numismatic Note: Amazing coin being issued over 500 years after the death of Alexander the Great, featuring his portrait. Alexander the Great was and still is a great hero of antiquity showing the amazing effect one man can have on history in just short while of just 13 years! Macedonia was a province under the control of the Romans, which was created out of the kingdom of Macedonia which Alexander the Great was king of. Interesting to note that this being a pseudo-autonomous issue featuring Alexander the Great instead of the Roman emperor of the time.
KASSANDER killer of Alexander the Great son Ancient Greek Coin Horse i58302
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Kassander – Macedonian King: 319-297 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (6.34 grams) Struck circa 319-297 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6754; Price (Coins of the Macedonians) pl. XII, 65
Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion’s skin.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / KAΣΣAΝΔΡΟΥ above and beneath naked youth on horse pacing right.
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily
Bronze Trias 20mm (8.25 grams) Struck under Dionysios I and Dionysios II, circa 375-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1456; Sear 1193 (Timoleon time); B.M.C. 2. 289; CNS II, nos. 34-45
ΣYPA, Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet bound with olive-wreath. Hippocamp left, with curled wing.
When in it’s foundations that the city of Syracuse only consisted of the island of Ortygia, that island was said to have been the home of the nymph Arethusa. She had been a chaste, faithful attendant of Artemis. It is said that she got the unwanted attentions from the river god, Alpheios, while bathing in his Peloponnesian stream. Artemis hid her in a cloud in an attempt to save her, however she sweated so profusely out of fear that she was transformed into a stream. Artemis broke apart the ground to allow her to escape. She found her way to the island of Ortygia where she became the fountain on that island.
Carthage in Zeugitana 400BC Tanit Cult & Horse Rare Ancient Greek Coin i58441
Greek city of Carthage in Zeugitana
Bronze 16mm (5.43 grams) Struck 400-350 B.C.
Reference: Alexandropoulos 15a; SNG Copenhagen 97; Müller –
Head of Tanit left, wreathed with corn.
Horse galloping right; ground line beneath.
Carthage in Zeugitana 300BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin Horse Palm tree i59225
Greek city of Carthage in Zeugitana
Bronze 20mm (6.97 grams) Struck 300-264 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6531; Muller II, 104,317; SNG Copenhagen 102
Head and neck of horse right.
Palm-tree.
LARISSA THESSALY 360BC BULL HORSE MAN Ancient Silver Greek Coin RARE R2 i60293
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 18mm (6.03 grams) Struck circa 360-356 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 449 Rare R2; Hermann pl. IV, 17; SNG Copenhagen 118; BCD Thessaly I, 1136; BCD Thessaly II, 186 | Pedigree: Ex Christopher “Kit” Reed Collection
ΛAPIΣAION above bull running right.
Horseman wearing kausia and cape riding right.
Roman Republic 90BC VICTORY PEGASUS Quinarius Ancient Silver Roman Coin i60457
Roman Republic Q. Titius moneyer
Silver Quinarius 14mm (1.87 grams) Rome mint, struck circa 90 B.C.
Reference: Titia 3; B.M.C. 2229; Syd. 693; Craw. 341/3
Bust of Victory draped and winged right. Pegasus springs right, Q . TITI below breast.
Jesus Christ Birth Magii Azes II on Horse 35BC Ancient Silver Greek Coin i60623
Indo-Scythian Kingdom in Northern India
King Azes II – Indo-Scythian King – Reigned: circa 35 B.C.- 12 B.C. or later, possibly up to 5 A.D.
Silver Drachm 14mm (2.44 grams) Struck circa 35 B.C. – 12 B.C. / 5 A.D.
Uncertain min in Hazara-Kashmir
Reference: HGC 12, 647 (Rare R2)
King with coat of mail, on horse, holding elephant goad, with Greek royal headband; Kharoshthi letter to right. Greek legend BAΣIΛEΩΣ BASIΛEΩN MEΓAΛOY AZOY “The Great King of Kings Azes”.
Diademed Zeus standing left, holding Nike and scepter; monogram to left and Kharosthi letter to right.
Kharoshti legend MAHARAJASA RAJADIRAJASA MAHATASA AYASA “The Great King of Kings Azes”.
* Numismatic Note: This coin circulated around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is from the area far east in the Indo-Scythian Kingdom in Northern India. This type of coin could have been carried by the Magii that went to see Jesus from the east. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh was available and traded in the area of northern India and was something that would be brought west from there. India was a great source for spices and other other exotic goods and caravans would travel from there bringing them for trade. It is believed that Jesus may have been born back as far back as 5 B.C. based on some of the biblical accounts. If this king lived up to 5 B.C. or later, which may be possible, he could have been then one of the kings that visited Jesus at his birth. Or if this coin was carried by the Magii, his coin could have came and visited Jesus. Since these kings may have traveled on horses, a king of those times would look like the king pictured on this coin. And it is also possible that one of his successors could have been some of the kings that visited Jesus at birth. Then again, they would have with them the circulating coin of the realm, and some of those which could have been the coin of this ruler. It is amazing to hold this coin connected to that amazing historical period.
PANORMOS Palermo Sicily 3CenBC Zeus Horse Sun RARE R1 Ancient Greek Coin i60663
Greek city of Panormos in Sicily
Bronze 16mm (3.18 grams) Struck early 3rd Century B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1073 Rare R1; CNS I, p. 340, no. 61
Laureate head of Zeus left. Horse galloping left; sun above; ΠΑ monogram below.
The principal Phoenician city in Sicily, Panormos produced a limited coinage in the latter part of the 5th Century; but following the great success of Carthaginian arms, 409-405 B.C., the issues of the mint became much larger. The types are mostly copied form the coinages of other Sicilian cities, such as Gela, Segesta and Syracuse.
AUGUSTUS 8BC Caius Caesar on Horse Ancient Silver Denarius Roman Coin i60671
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.47 grams) Lugdunum mint, struck 8-6 B.C.
Reference: Seaby 40; B.M.C., Gaul 223, Imp. 500; R.I.C. 348
Certification: NOT CERTIFIED because “EDGE FRAGILE, THUS INELIGIBLE TYPE”
AVGVSTVS DIVI F, his laureate head right.
C . CAES above Caius Caesar galloping right, eagle between two standards behind, AVGVS . F in exergue.
Caius was the grandson of Augustus but he adopted him as his son and heir together with his brother Lucius.
Roman Republic 137BC Rome Apollo Chariot Original Ancient Silver Coin NGC i60511
Roman RepublicM. Baebius Q. f. Tampilus moneyer
Silver Denarius 18mm Rome mint, circa 137 B.C.
Reference: Baebia 12; B.M.C. 935; Syd. 489; Craw. 236/1a-d,f
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch XF 1883237-003
Head of Roma left, X below chin, TAMPIL behind. Apollo in quadriga right, ROMA below horses, M . BAEBI . Q . F . in exergue.
Roman Republic 47BC Rome MEDUSA AURORA Horses Ancient Silver Coin NGC i60153
Roman RepublicL. Plautius Plancus moneyer
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.49 grams) Rome mint, circa 47 B.C.
Reference: Plautia 14; B.M.C. 4009; Syd. 959b; Craw. 453/1c
Certification: NGC Ancients F 4375823-255
Mask of Medusa, facing, hair disheveled, L PLAVTIVS below.
Aurora flying right conducting the four horses of the Sun, PLANCVS below.
Roman Republic 136BC Roma Jupiter Chariot Ancient Silver Coin NGC Ch AU i58170
Roman RepublicL. Antestius Gragulus moneyer
Silver Denarius 17mm Rome mint, circa 136 B.C.
Reference: Antestia 9; B.M.C. 976; Syd. 451 and 465; Craw. 238/1
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch AU 4252368-009
Head of Roma right, star below chin, GRAG behind head.
Jupiter in quadriga right, L . ANTES below horses, ROMA in exergue.
Greek city of Kelenderis in Cilicia
Silver Stater 22mm (10.69 grams) Struck circa 425-400 B.C.
Reference: SNG BN Paris 49 (stgl.). SNG von Aulock 5627 (stgl.). Kraay, Celenderis Hoard, NC 1962, 5, 16 (stgl.); Sear 5529 var.
Certification: NGC Ancients XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 4375810-019
Naked rider, with whip in left hand, seated sideways on horse prancing left, from which he is about to dismount, KEΛ below. Goat kneeling left, looking back; ivy-spray above goat.
SKOTUSSA THESSALY 440BC Horse Wheat-grain Ancient Silver Greek Coin NGC i58233
Greek city of Skotussa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 18mm (6.04 grams) Struck circa 440-420 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 587; Sear 2217; BCD Thessaly II, lots 728-729; Weber 2927
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 4375810-021
Forepart of horse prancing left.
ΣKO, Wheat-grain in its husk; all within incuse square.
BELIKIO in IBERIA Spain 100BC Man Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin NGC i58694
Greek city of Belikio in Iberia ( Spain)
Bronze Unit 22mm Struck circa 100-70 B.C.
Reference: ACIP 1433; SNG BM Spain 763-70; SNG Copenhagen 321; SNG Lorichs 790-4; MHBNF 1192-5
Certification: NGC Ancients XF 4371932-012
Bare bearded head right, wearing necklace; Iberian be to left.
Warrior, holding couched spear in right hand, on horseback right; Iberian belikiom below.
LARISSA THESSALY 356BC Silver Drachm Nymph Horse Ancient Greek Coin NGC i59812
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 20mm (5.75 grams) Struck circa 356-320 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 453; BCD Thessaly II, lot 280
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-194
Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left, wearing ampyx.
ΛAPI/ΣΑIΩN, Horse grazing right.
Roman Republic 90BC PRIAPUS Fertility God PEGASUS Ancient Silver Coin NGC i59808
Roman Republic Q. Titius moneyer
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.66 grams) Rome mint: 90 B.C.
Reference: Titia 1; B.M.C. 2220; Syd. 691; Craw. 341/1
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-144
Head of Mutinus Titinus right, bound with winged diadem.
Q . TITI on tablet from which springs Pegasus right.
The god Mutinus Titinus is the same as Priapus, who had a temple at Rome, and who was especially worshipped by young married women. Statues of Priapus were common in ancient Greece and Rome, standing in gardens or at doorways and crossroads. To propitiate Priapus, the traveler would stroke the statue’s penis as he passed by.
CORINTH 375BC Ancient Silver Greek PEGASUS ATHENA TRISKELES Coin NGC VF i59867
Greek city of Corinth in Corinthia
Silver Stater 21mm (8.40 grams) Struck circa 375-300 B.C.
Reference: Ravel 1065; Pegasi 383; BCD Corinth 126
Certification: NGC Ancients VF 4375823-161
Pegasus, with pointed wing, flying left; koppa beneath.
Helmeted head of Athena left; behind, N and triskeles of crescents within circle.
Roman Republic 102BC Cybele Victory Chariot Stork Ancient Silver Coin NGC i59832
Roman Republic C. Fabius C.f. Hadrianus moneyer
Silver Denarius 21mm (3.91 grams) Rome mint, struck circa 102 B.C.
Reference: Fabia 15; B.M.C. 1581-90; SYd. 589; Craw. 322/1
Certification: NGC Ancients VF 4375823-230
Veiled and turreted head of Cybele right, B over dot behind.
Victory in biga right, stork before, C . FABI . C . F in exergue.
Roman Republic 55BC Mars Horse Warrior Defeats Gaul Enemy Silver Coin NGC i59868
Roman Republic P. Fonteius P. f. Capito moneyer
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.87 grams) Rome mint, circa 55 B.C.
Reference: Fonteia 17; B.M.C. 3851; Syd. 900; Craw. 429/1
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch F 4375823-158
P. FONTEIVS . P . CAPITO . III . VIR, bust of Mars right, trophy behind.
MN . FONT . TR . MIL above warrior on horseback thrusting his spear at Gaulish enemy who is about to slay a third combatant who is unarmed, helmet and oval shield below on right.
PERDIKKAS II King of MACEDONIA 451BC Silver Greek Coin Horse Helmet NGC i61901
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Perdikkas II – King of Macedonia: 451-413 B.C.
Silver Tetrobol 13mm (1.87 grams)
Reference: Sear 1487; Raymond 139. SNG ANS 37-41
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4529163-010
Horse walking to right.
Crested helmed right within linear square border within square incuse.
VANDALS of CARTHAGE 523AD Soldier Horse Nummi Ancient Barbarian Coin NGC i61208
VANDALS. Semi-autonomous Municipal coinage of Carthage. Circa 480-533 A.D.
Bronze Nummi 20mm (7.32 grams) Class 2. Struck circa 523-533 A.D.
Reference: Hahn, Wertsystem 18; MEC 1, 45-47; BMC Vandals 14-17
Certification: NGC Ancients VF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 4529170-004
BART HACO, Soldier standing facing, holding spear.
Head of bridled horse left; XXI in exergue.
Roman Republic 82BC Apollo Stork Horse Authentic Ancient Silver Coin NGC i59975
Roman RepublicPub. Crepusius moneyer
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.78 grams) Rome mint, circa 82 B.C.
Reference: Crepusia 1; B.M.C. 2673-2715; Syd. 738a; Craw. 361/1c
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-103
Laureate head of Apollo right, scepter over shoulder, C behind, stork below chin.
Horseman galloping right, hurling spear, number behind, P . CREPVSI in exergue.
GETA 200AD Rome CASTOR with Horse of Gemini Twins Silver Roman Coin NGC i59903
Geta – Roman Emperor: 209-211 A.D.
Silver Denarius 19mm (2.99 grams) Struck at the mint of Rome mint, 200-202 A.D.
Reference: BMCRE 216. RIC 6. RSC 12. Hill 659
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch XF 4375823-231
. P SEPT GETA – CAES PONT, bare-headed, draped bust of the child Geta right.
CASTOR, Castor standing facing, head left, holding scepter, by side of horse left.
* Numismatic Note: Very rare type with one of the Dioscuri twins. This perhaps is an allusion to Geta being the mortal Castor while his older brother, Caracalla may have been Pollux. This is one of the interpretations that can be made from the coin as Carcalla and Geta were brothers and emperors would often try to equate themselves with mythologies.
KORKYRA Corcyra Corfu DIONYSUS PEGASUS Ancient Silver Greek Coin NGC XF i59904
Greek city of Korkyra on island of Corfu off Epeiros
Silver Drachm 20mm (3.83 grams) Struck circa 229-48 B.C.
Reference: HGC 6, 65 Rare R1 ; SNG Copenhagen 196-199
Certification: NGC Ancients XF 4375823-399
Head of young Dionysus right, wreathed with viy.
Pegasus flying right; monograms below.
Roman Republic ROME King Aqueduct Horse Statue Ancient Silver Coin NGC i59905
Roman Republic L. Marcius Philippus moneyer
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.46 grams) Rome mint, circa 56 B.C.
Reference: Marcia 28; B.M.C. 3890; Syd. 919; Craw. 425/1
Certification: NGC Ancients VF 4375823-408
ANCVS below diademed head of Ancus Marcius right, lituus behind.
PHILIPPVS behind equestrian statue right on an arcade of five arches within
which A Q V A MAR, flower below horses.
The Marcia gens claimed descent from Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome, who is said to have been the first to bring water to Rome by means of an aqueduct. The equestrian statue is that of Q. Marcius Rex, who, when praetor in B.C. 144, was commissioned by the Senate to repair the old aqueducts and to build one which would give a supply of water to the Capitol. This aqueduct is known as the Aqua Marcia.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond, running the eBay store Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins.
Ancient coin expert, Mike Markowitz gets interviewed about ancient coins and their role in the creation of Western civilization. He explains how ancient coins were works of art in their own right and how it is a miracle a coin survived to our modern times. Some of the topics he covers are the symbolism on coins and what it was like to live in the ancient world fraught with danger. A great must-watch video for those interested in ancient Greek and Roman coin collecting.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
Coins explored in the video and in the presentation:
Half Shekel of Tyre coin used by the ancient Jewish people to pay the yearly tax due on visits.
Widow’s Mite, a coin where the moral of the story is that giving or doing your best counts more, even though some could give more.
Tribute Penny coin of Roman emperor Tiberius, which was circulating during the lifetime and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Pontius Pilate coin, a local procurator, or ruler on behalf of the Roman empire before whom Jesus Christ was brought for his trial and crucifixion.
Historical ancient coins give us a great connection to the past. I am an ancient coin expert, enthusiast, author and dealer and have many of these coins available for sale in my eBay store here: http://stores.ebay.com/Authentic-Ancient-Greek-Roman-Coins
Famous Widow’s Mite coin explained, Herod the Great Birth of Jesus time coins, and the Famous Jewish Temple Tax Half Shekel of Tyre explainedTribute Penny, Thirty Pieces of Silver and Pontius Pilate coins explained
Biblical coins related to people of the Christian and Jewish Faiths
Display of the famous biblical “Tribute Penny” of emperor Tiberius, the Shekel of Tyre known as the 30 Pieces of Silver Judas betrayed Jesus for, Pontius Pilate the Roman ruler whom Christ was crucified under and the first Byzantine gold coin featuring Jesus Christ.Plaque Describing the Different coins such as the Tiberius Tribute Penny, Thirty Pieces of Silver, Phoenician Shekel of Tyre, Pontius Pilate and first appearance of Christ on coinage.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
The goal of this article is simple, it is to educate people on the types of ancient Greek coins in existence, and help them find them for sale in my eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Authentic-Ancient-Greek-Roman-Coins with a simple click of the mouse. I included links to the best ancient Greek and Roman coin research site, WildWinds.com for you to be able to see examples of even the rarest ancient Greek and Roman coins. To use this tool, know that clicking on the text of a name will make you search for the term inside my eBay store, to see if there are examples for sale, and clicking the term “Research” will take you to the appropriate page with the research information. Additional articles on coin collecting can be found at my website: https://www.trustedancientcoins.com/articles/.
Benefits and Instructions
The benefits you will receive with this article is that it’s an immense research library, referencing important books, and including descriptions and pictures condensed to one PDF file you can download to your computer. You can print it and use it as a checklist of coins to add to your collection, including learning about some of the extremely rare types. Additionally there are “Encyclopedia” entries that can be read about the different areas or kingdoms by clicking the term.
To search this article, press the keys CTRL+F or (APPLE Key)+F on Mac key combination to open up a search screen to find terms of interest.
You can also print this article and use it as a checklist. I recommend downloading the PDF as per instructions above for this purpose. To do quick searches for coins, you can always go back to this article via link: http://bit.ly/greekcoinslist. There are many rare, and possibly unpublished typesin my store, that only knowing about and having this list will allow you to know about and find.
The other benefit of this is that you can use the immense research database on Wildwinds to educate yourself on the subject by clicking the “Research” links on the topics of interst.
Ancient Arabia from circa 250’s B.C. to circa 250 A.D. is an interesting topic to explore. There were many different types of coins issued. One of the most powerful kingdoms of the area was the Kingdom of Nabataea. This was a kingdom based in the middle of the desert and was known as a Caravan Kingdom as a lot of caravans passed through there on their way from further south and even east. The kingdom prospered and to this day, the ruins that are left from that time period are gorgeous and an archeological site of importance.
Arabia was to the south of ancient Jerusalem and is therefore an important neighbor that has played a role in ancient biblical history. The Romans at one point consolidated all of Arabia into a province with same name, ending the Kingdom of Nabataea along with others.
The goal of this guide is to explore many different types of ancient coins.
This is a great video about the topic of ancient Petra with breathtaking views. Great to watch before looking at the coins to understand their context.
Anonymous Arab Kingdom of Nabataea PETRA 270BC Athena Nike Greek Coin i46676
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea, Anonymous
Bronze 16mm (4.04 grams) Petra mint, circa 270-72 B.C.
Reference: HGC 10, 671; Meshorer, Nabataea 1-4
Helmeted head of Athena right.
Nike advancing left, holding wreath and cornucopia; crescent above Λ in field to left.The northern kingdom of Arabia of the Nabataean people, with Petra being the capital existed until early 2nd century A.D. when Roman emperor Trajan created the province of Arabia.
ARABIA Saba Kingdom 160BC Owl as Athens Silver Ancient Greek Coin RARE i47784
Arabia Kingdom of Saba
Silver ‘Tetradrachm’ 28mm (4.87 grams) Struck circa 160-130 B.C.
Reference: HGC 10, 725; Munro-Hay 1.13il
Laureate male head with long hair right.
Owl standing right on amphora; monograms to left and right.* Numismatic Note: The coins of this kingdom use the reverse similar to the “New Style” tetradrachm coins of Athens, and what the obverse ostensibly is similar to the Roman Republican L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi denarius or perhaps a royal portrait.
Pompey the Great General Beats Aretas III Arab Nabatea Silver Roman Coin i46389
Roman Republic M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus moneyer
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.68 grams) Rome mint at Rome 58 B.C.
Reference: Aemilia 8; B.M.C. 3878; Syd. 913; Craw. 422/lb; Hendin 1443
M . SCAVR / AED CVR above king Aretas kneeling beside a camel r., EX on ,
S . C on right, REX ARETAS in exergue.
HYPSAE (vs) / AED CVR above Jupiter in quadriga left, CAPTVM on right,
c. HYPSAEVS cos PREIV (ER) in ex. scorpion below horses.This coin commemorated the victory over Aretas III by Pompey the Great’s general, Marcus Aemilius Scaurus. King Aretas III was an ally and supported John Hyrcanus II in war against his brother, Aristobulus II. Upon defeat, King Aretas had to pay a massive sum of 300 talents as a fine to Pompey the Great. M. Aemilius and Pub. Plautius were curule aediles together in 58 B.C. It is interesting to note that this is one of the earliest types that had the moneyer commemorate their own accomplishments on a coin.”Aristobulus was not able to make resistance, but was deserted in his first onset, and was driven to Jerusalem: he also had been taken at first by force, if Scaurus, the Roman general, had not come and seasonably interposed himself and raised the siege.” (Josephus, Wars, 1, VI:2) Click here to see all coins of the Roman Republic for sale
or read the Guide to the Coins of the Roman Republic
King Syllaeus of Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea Ancient Greek Type Coin i50391
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Syllaeus – King: 9 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (2.49 grams) Petra mint, Struck 9 B.C.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 42
Diademed head of Obodas III right.
Two cornucopiae crossed.
ARETAS IV 9BC Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Authentic PETRA Ancient Greek Coin i46668
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 16mm (2.00 grams) Petra mint, Struck circa 4 B.C. – 1 A.D.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 70
Laureate head right, Aramaic het in front.
Crossed cornucopiae; Aramaic het between.
ARETAS IV & SHAQUILATH Arab Kingdom of Nabataea PETRA Ancient Greek Coin i46666
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV Aretas IV, with Shaqilath
Bronze 15mm (2.63 grams) Petra mint, circa 11-40 A.D.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 97
Aretas standing facing, head left, wearing military attire, holding spear and placing hand on hilt of sword; palm frond to left, monogram to right.
Shaqilath standing left, raising hand; wreath to left; to right, name in Aramaic in three lines.
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea ARETAS IV & SHAQUILAT PETRA Ancient Greek Coin i466722
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV King Aretas IV with Queen Shaqilath
Bronze 20mm (4.36 grams) Petra mint, circa 11-40 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 5699; B.M.C. 28.8,15; Meshorer, Nabataea 114
Conjoined bustsr right of Aretas, laureate, and Queen Shaqilath, draped; Aramaic letters in field.
Two cornucopiae, crossed; between them, Aramaic legend = ‘Aretas, Shaqilath’ in three lines.
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea ARETAS IV & SHQUILATH Silver Ancient Greek Coin i46670
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Debased Silver Drachm 16mm (3.28 grams) Petra mint: 11 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 5695; Cf. Meshorer, Nabataea 100
Laureate bust of Aretas right; around, Aramaic legend = ‘Aretas, king of Nabataea, lover of his people’.
Conjoined draped busts right of Aretas, laureate, and Queen Shaquilath; around, Aramaic legend = ‘Shaquilath, queen of Nabataea, year 20’ (= c. A.D. 11).
Aretas IV Arab Kingdom of Nabataea PETRA 4BC Original Ancient Greek Coin i503900
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 14mm (1.87 grams) Petra mint, circa 4/3 B.C.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 77 var. (o instead of ﬣ on obverse)
Laureate head of Aretas IV right, in field to right, ﬣ.
Two cornucopia crossed; in field on right, ﬣ, on left, o.
ARETAS IV 9BC Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Authentic Ancient PETRA Greek Coin i466777
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 14mm (2.41 grams) Petra mint
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea, 61A
Laureate head right.
Two cornucopias with palm; Aramaic inscription around.
Aretas IV Arab Kingdom of Nabataea PETRA 4BC Original Ancient Greek Coin i503855
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 13mm (2.24 grams) Petra mint, circa 4/3 B.C.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 68
Laureate head of Aretas IV right.
Two cornucopia crossed; monogram (= ﬣﬧ) between.
King Aretas IV of Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea Ancient BibleTime Coin i50387
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 14mm (2.04 grams) Petra mint, Struck 4/3 B.C.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 74 var.
Laureate head of Aretas IV right.
Two cornucopiae crossed; between them, o.
King Aretas IV of Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea 4BC Ancient Bible Coin i504000
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Aretas IV – King: 9 B.C. – 40 A.D.
Bronze 15mm (2.20 grams) Petra mint, Struck 4/3 B.C.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 76
Laureate head of Aretas IV right; in field, right, ח.
Two cornucopiae crossed between them, caduceus; on staff of caduceus, above, ח below, o; in field left, ח.
MALICHUS II & SHAQILATH II Arab Kingdom of Nabataea PETRA Rare Greek Coin i46669
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Malichus II – King: 40-71 A.D.
Malichus II and Queen Shaqilath II
Silver Drachm 15mm (3.73 grams) Petra mint, Struck circa 49 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 5702; Cf. Meshorer, Nabataea 134
Laureate bust of Malichus right; around, Aramaic legend = ‘Malichus the king, king of Nabataea, year 9’ (= circa A.D. 49)
Veiled and draped bust of Queen Shaquilath II right; around, Aramaic legend = ‘Shaqilath, his siter, queen of Nabataea’.
King Malichus II Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea 64AD Greek Type Coin i50452
Arab Kingdom of f Nabataea Malichus II – King: 70-106 A.D.
Bronze 16mm (2.73 grams) Petra mint, Struck 64/65 A.D.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 140
Jugate heads of Malichus II and Shuqailat II right, the king laureate, with hair hanging down to nape of neck, wearing V-shaped ornament above forehead, the queen laureate; in field, ש מ .
Two cornucopiae crossed; between them, above and below, in three lines, inscription מלכן/שקי/לת (Malichus/Shuqai/lat).
King Rabbel II Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea 75AD Greek Type Coin i50401
Arab Kingdom of f Nabataea Rabbel II – King: 70-106 A.D.
Bronze 16mm (2.52 grams) Petra mint, Struck 75/76 A.D.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 146
Jugate portraits of Rabbel II and Shuqailat right, both laureate, head of Rabbel with very long hair covering nape of neck, but of Shuqailat draped.
Two cornucopiae crossed; between them, above and below, in three lines, inscription רבאל/שקילת/אמה (Rabbel/Shuqailat/his mother)
ARABIA FELIX HIMYARITES Yemen Ancient Silver Quinarius Greek-like Coin i39632
ARABIA FELIX – Under HIMYARITES
Scyphate Silver Quinarius 14mm (1.00 grams)
“RYDN” Royal Series. “‘MDN BYN” (Amdan Bayyin). Circa 80-100 A.D.
Reference: Malcom-Hay 3.4i; BMC Arabia pg. 71, 1; SNG ANS 1596
Male head right within torc; monogram behind.
“‘MDNIBYNI” around, “RYDN” in exergue, small head right; “sceptre” symbol before.
King Rabbel II Gamilat Arab Caravan Kingdom of Nabataea 101AD Greek Coin i5041717
Arab Kingdom of Nabataea Rabbel II – King: 70-106 A.D.
Bronze 17mm (3.47 grams) Petra mint, Struck 101/102 A.D.
Reference: Meshorer, Nabataea 163A
Jugate portraits of Rabbel II, his head laureate, with particularly long hair coming down to nape of neck, undraped, and of Gamilat, laureate, her bust draped.
Two cornucopiae crossed; between them, in two lines, inscription רבאל/גמלת (Rabbel/Gamilat).
TRAJAN creates ARABIA Province 112AD Camel Ancient Silver Roman Rome Coin i53225
Trajan – Roman Emperor : 98-117 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.01 grams) Rome mint: 112 A.D.
Reference: RIC 245; BMCRE 474. Cohen 26 (3 Fr.)
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, Laureate, draped bust right left shoulder.
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIP Exe: ARAB ADQ, Arabia standing, facing, holding branch
and cinnamon sticks; camel to left.
SEVERUS ALEXANDER 222AD Bostra Arabia Zeus-Ammon Ancient Roman Coin i38501
Severus Alexander – Roman Emperor: 222-235 A.D.
Bronze 18mm (5.32 grams) of Bostra in Arabia
Reference: Kindler 38; Spijkerman 48; Rosenberger 41; SNG ANS 1222
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right, seen from behind.
Draped bust of Zeus-Ammon right.
PHILIP I the ARAB 248AD 1000 Years of Rome Wolf Twins Silver Roman Coin i5217070
Philip I ‘the Arab’ – Roman Emperor: 244-249 A.D. –
Silver Antoninianus 23mm (3.95 grams) Rome mint: 248 A.D. Commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Rome
Reference: RIC 15; C 178
IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
SAECVLARES AVGG / II, Lupa ( She-wolf) standing left, looking back to lick her suckling twins, Romulus and Remus.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
This article is designed to teach about the varieties of ancient Greek coins that are connected with Alexander the Great, including the coins of his lifetime. My name is Ilya Zlobin with eBay store, Authentic Ancient Greek and Roman Coins, and I will be your guide to a time over 2300 years ago. This article combines examples of ancient coins available in my store, along with a video where I talk more about them. The end result making it easy and fun to learn about and put together a collection of Alexander the Great coins.
The Flow of the Coins in the Video and in this GuideThis guide starts with coins of Philip II , the father of Alexander the Great, dealing with his Olympic games victory in horse racing. Alexander the Great started his career being a great general fighting side by side with Philip and leading his own flanks in the army. When Alexander inherited the kingdom from his father at his passing, he had a trained veteran army that he learned to command through first-hand experience. It is this army that Alexander the Great used to take over the then-known world in a short time period of his reign of 13 years, dying at 33 years old in ancient Babylon. Moving on to the silver coins of Alexander the Great. Alexander had the large denomination ‘ tetradrachm‘ silver coin. This type of coin was the standard of Greek coinage throughout the ancient Greek world. The coins with Alexander’s name continued to be struck for hundreds of years after Alexander’s passing. There are examples here of his lifetime and beyond and how to tell the difference. Even though I did not have a physical example of a gold coin of Alexander’s, there is a photo of his coin in the video. Next there are the bronze coins of Alexander the Great, with coins starting from the most common to the scarcest. And last we move on to a coins struck circa 222-235 A.D. almost 500 years after Alexander with is portrait of Macedonia Koinon.
Types of Ancient Coins Illustrated with Photographs of Examples and Descriptions from my eBay store
The book that is the standard reference regarding coins of Alexander the Great is called “The Coinage In the name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus” by Martin Jessop Price. The book is shown in the video and below. Scroll on to see the many amazing pictures and descriptions, basically covering all types of Alexander the Great, except a few rare, seldom-seen ones. The pictures of the coins are clickable and you will be able to see the types in my store, if available. This is a great collection of Alexander the Great coin that can give you a great hands-on experience by watching the video and reading this guide. Enjoy!
Philip II Alexander the Great Dad OLYMPIC GAMES Ancient Greek Coin Horse i28299
Greek King Philip II of Macedon 359-336 B.C. Bronze 15mm (6.55 grams) Struck 359-336 B.C. in the Kingdom of Macedonia Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Nude athlete on horse prancing right, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above.
* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient Greek coin of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Intriguing coin referring to his Olympic victory. History and Meaning of the Coin During the times of ancient Greeks, horse racing was one of the events various Greek city-states and kingdoms would have intense competition with each other, as it was of great prestige to participate. Before the time of Philip II, the kingdom of Macedonia was considered barbarian and not Greek. Philip II was the first king of Macedon that was accepted for participation in the event, which was a great honor all in itself. It was an even greater honor that Philip’s horses would go on to win two horse-racing events. In 356 B.C., he won the single horse event and then in 348 B.C. chariot pulled by two horses event. As a way to proudly announce, or what some would say propagandize these honors, Philip II placed a reference to these great victories on his coins struck in all three metals of bronze, silver and gold. The ancient historian, Plutarch, wrote “[Philip of Macedon] … had victories of his chariots at Olympia stamped on his coins.”
Philip II Alexander the Great Dad OLYMPIC GAMES Ancient Greek Coin Horse i55365
Greek King Philip II of Macedon 359-336 B.C. Father of Alexander III the Great Bronze 15mm (6.39 grams) Struck circa 356-336 B.C. in the Kingdom of Macedonia Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Youth on horse prancing left, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above.
PHILIP II Alexander the Great Dad OLYMPIC GAMES Silver Greek Coin i31177
Greek King Philip II of Macedon 359-336 B.C. Silver Hemidrachm 14mm (2.43 grams) Struck 359-336 B.C. in the Kingdom of Macedonia Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Nude athlete on horse prancing right, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above.
ALEXANDER III The GREAT 325BC Silver Tetradrachm Ancient Greek Coin ZEUS i55138
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Silver Tetradrachm 26mm (17.07 grams) Pella mint, circa 325-315 B.C. Reference: Price 214; (*Note: obverse design like that of Price 3019) Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; Θ below throne.* Numismatic Note: The difference between the coins of the Tarsos mint and Pella is that there is a rudder in field to left in addition to the Θ below the throne. However, in this case, what I find striking is that the obverse head is like that of Price 3019 of Tarsos. This leads me to the conclusion of the usage of the dies from Tarsos at the mint of Pella, at least for the obverse design. The portrait type has more of the neck visible as opposed to just the head. Interesting lifetime or early posthumous type.
Greek Coin of Kingdom of ThraceLysimachos – King: 323-281 B.C. – Silver Tetradrachm 30mm (16.39 grams) Struck circa 288-281 B.C. Diademed head right of the deified Alexander the Great, wearing the horn of Ammon. Athena enthroned left, holding Nike; M in field to left.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT Pella Antigonos II Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin i46302
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Struck under Antigonos II Gonatas: Macedonian King: 277-239 B.C. Silver Tetradrachm 27mm (16.80 grams) Pella mint, circa: 275-271 B.C. Reference: Price 621; Müller 230; SNG Copenhagen 713; Mathisen, Administrative VI.6, dies A19/P44 Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; Macedonian helmet in field to left; OK monogram below throne.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 120BC OdessosThrace Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin i44007
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Silver Tetradrachm 32mm (15.90 grams) Odessos mint, struck circa: 120-90 B.C. Reference: Price 1181; Callataÿ group 1, (D9/R9); Topalov, Odesos 69. Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; ΘΕ in field to left; monogram below throne.
ALEXANDER the GREAT 90BC Silver Greek Tetradrachm coin of PELLA Macedon i46268
Greek city of Pella in Macedonia Silver Tetradrachm 27mm (16.70 grams) Struck circa 90-75 B.C. Reference: Sear 1439; Price (Coins of the Macedonians) pl. XVI, 84 Head of Alexander the Great right, with horn of Ammon and flowing hair; MAKEΔΟΝΩΝ beneath, B (reversed) behind. AESILLAS / Q. above club between money-chest and quaestor’s chair; all within olive-wreath.
Gold Stater Coin of Alexander the Great
MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). Gold stater (19mm, 8.55 gm, 1h). Late lifetime / early posthumous issue of Miletus, ca. 323-319 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent, hair in parallel corkscrew curls / AΛEΞANΔP[OY], Nike standing left, holding wreath in right hand and stylis in left arm; monogram in left field, labrys below right wing. Price 2114. ADM I Series VII, 175a.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC LIFETIME ISSUE Ancient Silver Greek Coin i56034
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. LIFETIME ISSUE Silver Drachm 16mm (4.13 grams) Miletos mint, struck under Philoxenos, circa 325-323 B.C. Reference: Price 2088; ADM I series I, 32-53; SNG München 581-3; SNG Alpha Bank 627; SNG Saroglos -. Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; thunderbolt in field to left; ΔH monogram below throne.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC LIFETIME ISSUE Ancient Silver Greek Coin i56035
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. LIFETIME ISSUE Silver Drachm 17mm (4.16 grams) Abydos mint. Struck under Kalas or Demarchos, circa 325-323 B.C. Reference: Price 1505; ADM II Series II. Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; forepart of Pegasus in field to left; monogram below throne.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC LIFETIME ISSUE Ancient Silver Greek Coin i54102
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. LIFETIME ISSUE Silver Drachm 16mm (4.21 grams) Abydos mint. Struck circa 325-323 B.C. Struck under Kalas or Demarchos Reference: Price 1503; ADM II Series I Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; Hermes standing left, holding kerykeion (caduceus) in field to left; HI monogram below throne.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC LIFETIME ISSUE Ancient Silver Greek Coin i56032
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. LIFETIME ISSUE Silver Drachm 15mm (4.18 grams) Miletos mint, 325-323 B.C. Reference: Price 2090; SNG Cop-895 Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; ΔH monogram in field to left.
PHILIP III Macedonian Silver Greek Coin w ALEXANDER the GREAT Face 323BC i37252
King of Macedonian KingdomPhilip III, Arrhidaeus – King of Macedonia: 323-317 B.C. Coin struck in Philip’s name, but in style of coins of Alexander III the Great, 356-323 B.C. King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Silver Drachm 18mm (4.09 grams) Magnesia mint: 323-319 B.C. Reference: Price P56; SNG München 946 Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; AI monogram in field to left.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT > Mylasa Caria < Hercules Zeus Silver Greek Coin i55974
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Silver Drachm 17mm (3.92 grams) Mint of Mylasa in Caria, struck circa 300-280 B.C. Reference: Price 2487 Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; monogram within Ω in field to left.
Alexander III the Great 336BC Ancient Greek Coin Hercules Bow Club i30226
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 16mm (4.22 grams) Struck under Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. Reference: Sear 6739 var. Head of Alexander III the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. Hercules’ weapons, bow in bow-case and club, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ in between.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT as HERCULES 325BC Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin i55812
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 18mm (5.50 grams) Uncertain mint in Macedonia, struck circa 325-310 B.C. Struck under Antipater, Polyperchon, or Kassander Reference: Sear 6739 var.; Price 376; SNG Alpha Bank 782 Head of Alexander III the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. Bow in bow-case and club (weapons of Hercules), BA in between; thunderbolt below.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 336BC Miletos Ionia Shield Helmet Greek Coin i50851
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 1/2 Unit 17mm (4.74 grams) Struck at possibly Miletos mint, circa 336-323 B.C. Reference: Price 2064. Macedonian shield with gorgoneion at center. B – A on either side of crested Macedonian helmet, double axe to left; K to right.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC Shield of Macedonia Helmet Greek Coin i55489
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 1/2 Unit 15mm (4.64 grams) Uncertain mint in Macedon. Struck circa 325-310 B.C. Reference: Price 416 Macedonian shield; around, five double crescents with five pellets between each; in centre, thunderbolt. B – A on either side of crested Macedonian helmet, thunderbolt below.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 336BC Hercules Eagle Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i53190
Greek Coin of Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 15mm (4.53 grams) Struck under Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. Reference: Sear 6743 Alexander III the Great as young Hercules right, clad in lion-skin. ΑΛΕΞΑΝ-ΔΡΟΥ, Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, looking back; leaf in upper field to left.
Alexander III The Great 336BC Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO Healer HORSE i32140
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 15mm (3.71 grams) Struck under Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. Reference: Sear 6744; Forrer/Weber 2150 Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Horse prancing right; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ above.
RARE Alexander III the GREAT Hercules Shield Coin 336BC Greek Coin i56047
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 15mm (4.23 grams) Struck circa 336-323 B.C. Reference: Price 2806-2807; SNG Alpha Bank 849 Macedonian shield with head of Hercules 3/4 facing right in center. Crested helmet; grain-ear below, BA across fields.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 336BC Super Rare Shield Helmet Ancient Greek Coin i38104
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C. Bronze 16mm (3.87 grams) Struck circa 336-323 B.C. Reference: Price 2808 (obverse), Price 2806 (reverse) Macedonian shield with head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right in center. Crested helmet; grain-ear below, BA across fields.
PHILIP III Alexander III the Great Brother 319BC Shield Helmet Greek Coin i50866
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomPhilip III, Arrhidaeus – King of Macedonia: 323-317 B.C. Bronze 1/2 Unit 15mm (3.51 grams) Sardes mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319/8 B.C. Reference: Price 2614 var. (caduceus right, rose on left); Klein 130 var. Macedonian shield, kerykeion on boss. Macedonian helmet; B A across upper field, rose to lower right, kerykeion to lower left, TI below.* Numismatic Note: Very rare coin.
Alexander the Great under Ptolemy I Soter 305BC Ancient Greek Coin Eagle i36668
Greek King Ptolemy I, Soter – 305-283 B.C. of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt – Bronze 23mm (9.87 grams) Struck in Alexandria in Egypt 305-283 B.C. Reference: Sear 7765; B.M.C. 6.21,66 Head of Alexander the Great right wearing an elephant scalp, symbol of his conquest of India. ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 222AD Macedonia Koinon Ancient / Greek Roman Coin i55817
Alexander III the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C. Pseudo-Autonomous Issue under the Romans Bronze 24mm (9.72 grams) from the Koinon of Macedonia in Thrace Struck circa time of emperor Severus Alexander, 222-235 A.D. AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right with loose, flowing hair. KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NЄΩ, Alexander the Great on his legendary horse, Bucephalus, galloping right with cape flowing behind him and raising right hand in which he holds a spear.* Numismatic Note: Amazing coin being issued over 500 years after the death of Alexander the Great, featuring his portrait. Alexander the Great was and still is a great hero of antiquity showing the amazing effect one man can have on history in just short while of just 13 years! Macedonia was a province under the control of the Romans, which was created out of the kingdom of Macedonia which Alexander the Great was king of. Interesting to note that this being a pseudo-autonomous issue featuring Alexander the Great instead of the Roman emperor of the time.
ALEXANDER the GREAT on BUCEPHALUS Horse Macedonia Koinon Greek Roman Coin i55457
Alexander III the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C. Pseudo-Autonomous Issue under the Romans Bronze 26mm (11.14 grams) from the Koinon of Macedonia in Thrace Struck circa time of Severus Alexander, circa 222-235 A.D. Reference: AMNG 565 var. AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right with loose, flowing hair. KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NЄΩ, Alexander the Great on his legendary horse, Bucephalus, galloping right with cape flowing behind him and raising right hand in which he holds a spear.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT Macedonia Koinon Ancient Greek coin under ROMANS i55093
Greek Coin of Macedonian KingdomAlexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 25mm (11.25 grams) of Macedonia Koinon in Thrace under the Roman Emperor Gordian III, 238-244 A.D. AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right with loose, flowing hair. KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN B NЄΩ ◦ЄOC◦, Two hexastyle (6 column) temples viewed from the front.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT Olympic type Games Koinon Macedonia Ancient Coin i27404
Alexander III, the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C. Roman Era, Olympic-Style Games Issue Bronze 27mm (13.00 grams) from the Koinon of Macedonia in Thrace under Roman Control Struck circa 222-235 A.D. under the reign of Roman Emperor Severus Alexander AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right as Hercules, wearing lion-skin headdress. KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NЄΩKO B, Agonistic prize table with two urns atop, each containing a palm branch which was a symbol for victory; amphora (vase) below table; B above table.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
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Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Tyndaris in Sicily
Bronze 22mm (6.15 grams) Struck circa 44-36 B.C. or later
Reference: HGC 2, 1641 (R2); RPC I, no. 650 (Segesta)
M.VIPS.DOSV.F …, Pilei surmounted by stars.
EX/D.D, Dolphin leaping right.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Tauromenion in Sicily
Silver 12mm (1.72 grams) Struck circa 392-358 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1608 (R1); CNS III, nos. 2-3
Phrygian helmet right.
TA monogram within laurel wreath.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Thermai Himeraiai in Sicily
Bronze 14mm (2.77 grams) Struck 407-340 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1627 (R1); Sear 1111; B.M.C.2.2
Head of Hera right, wearing stephanos ornamented with honeysuckle.
Head of young Hercules right, in lion’s skin.
The refugees from Himera were permitted by the Carthaginians to found a new settlement at the hot springs not far from the the old city.
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Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Sinope in Paphlagonia
Silver Hemidrachm 14mm (1.95 grams) Struck circa 300-200 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 411 (R1); Sear 3704; SNG Black Sea 1510-1512; B.M.C.13.98,30-32
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 4375823-241
Turreted head of Tyche left.
Eagle flying upward, head left; ΣΙΝ-Ω in lower field; bunch of grapes to left; monogram in field to right.
Authentic Ancient Coin of: Greek city of Pantikapaion in Cimmerian Bosporus
Bronze 21mm (7.57 grams) Struck circa 310-303 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 113 Rare R1; MacDonald 69; Anohin 111; Sear 1700; B.M.C.3.20
Certification: NGC Ancients AU 4529163-004
Head of Pan, the satyr right.
ΠΑΝ, Forepart of griffin advancing left; sturgeon below.
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