The ancients were a well-traveled people. They built ships for travel and trade and connected vast parts of the world together. They worshipped gods that were connected to the ocean, placed them on their coins and anything else that they found particularly fascinating was placed on their coins. Just as modern-man fishes, enjoys going to the beach, looking at dolphins and traveling by sea, we are a just continuing a long tradition that stretch the millennia. Below find ancient coins that depict the water theme very well. Click on the pictures and links of the coins to see what is available in my eBay online coin shop. Enjoy!
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
This guide is designed to teach people a lot more about ancient biblical coins. Some of the coins explored in this guide are those of John Hyrcanus I, Alexander Jannaeus, Herod the Great, Herod Archelaus, Pontius Pilate and the Roman prefects procurators of Judaea area. The best reference work on the subject is Guide to Biblical Coins by David Hendin. This book goes deep in to the subject and history of the many coins of Jerusalem and coins dealing with the Holy Land, including the towns around Jerusalem. This guide would be interesting for people of both the Jewish and the Christian faith, and for those that would like to study historical ancient coins.
WIDOW’s MITE Ancient Biblical Jerusalem John Hyrcanus I Coin Cornucopias i36721
John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan) King of Judaea 134-104 B.C.E
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 15mm (2.13 grams) Jerusalem mint 134-104 B.C.
Reference: Hendin 455
Hebrew (Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews) surrounded by wreath.
2 Cornucopias, pomegranate between horns, border of dots.* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient biblical coin, referred to in the Gospels as the Widow’s Mite.
WIDOW’s MITE Ancient Biblical Jerusalem Jesus Christ Era Coin Anchor Star i49750
Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan) –
Jewish King of the Hosmonean Kingdom 103-76 B.C.E. –
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 15mm (1.01 grams) mint of Jerusalem 103-76 B.C.
Reference: Hendin 469
Anchor, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (of King Alexander).
Star of eight rays surrounded by diadem, between the rays, (Yehonatan the King).* Numismatic Note: This type of coin is known to bible history as the ” Widow’s Mite“.
ALEXANDER JANNAEUS Lily Jewish Biblical Jerusalem Ancient Greek Coin i41565
Alexander Jannaeaus (Yehonatan)
King of Judaea 103-76 B.C.
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 15mm (2.79 grams) Struck in the mint of Jerusalem
Reference: Hendin 467 (3rd edition); Hendin 1148 (5th edition)
Lily flanked by paleo-Hebrew (Yehonatan the King), border of dots.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY (of King Alexander); inverted anchor within circle.
WIDOW’s MITE Ancient Biblical Jerusalem King Alexander Yehonatan Coin i36727
Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan)
King of Judaea 103-76 B.C.
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 14mm (1.73 grams) Struck in the mint of Jerusalem
Reference: Hendin 473
Hebrew inscription (Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews) surrounded by wreath.
Double cornucopiae adorned with ribbons; pomegranate between horns
Mattathias Antigonus JEWISH KING 40BCE Jerusalem Ancient Coin Prosperity i16296
Hosmonean King of Judaea Mattathias Antigonus (Mattatayah), 40 to 37 B.C.E.
Bronze 23mm (14.32 grams) Struck at Jerusalem: 40-37 B.C.
Reference: Hendin 481; AJC I, Group U
Double cornucopia with Hebrew (Mattatayah the high priest and council of the Jews), around and between horns.
Ivy wreath tied at top with ribbons handing down, BACIΛEΩC ANTIГONY (of King Antigonus).
Herod I the Great Jesus Christ Birth King Judaea Jerusalem Biblical Coin i44096
Kingdom of Judaea Herod I, the Great – King: 40 B.C. – 4 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 14mm (1.29 grams)
Struck circa 40 B.C.- 4 A.D. at the mint of Jerusalem
Reference: Hendin 500 (3rd Edition); Hendin 1188 (5th Edition)
Anchor; HPΩΔ BACI around.
Double cornucopia with caduceus between, dots above.
Herod Archelaus son of the Great Jewish Biblical Jerusalem Ancient Coin i36297
Herod Archelaus – Ethnarch over Judaea, Samaria and Idumaea: 4 B.C. – 6 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 16mm (1.30 grams) Jerusalem mint: 4 B.C. – 6 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 505; AJC II, 241,6
Bunch of grapes on vine with small leaf on left; above HPΩΔOY (Herod).
Tall helmet with crest and cheek straps, viewed from front, caduceus below left; below, ЄΘNAPXO.
Coponius Jerusalem Biblical Jesus Time 5AD Roman Coin Under Augustus i37900
Coponius prefect under Augustus 6 – 9 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 17mm (1.41 grams) from the mint of Jerusalem 5/6 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1328 (5th Edition)
KAICAPOC (of Caesar), ear of grain curved to right.
LΛϛ (year 36 = 5/6 A.D.) in fields; eight-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates.The ϛ sometimes looks like a Γ.
15AD VALERIUS GRATUS Tiberius Livia Ancient Biblical Roman Jerusalem Coin i45296
Coin of Biblical Jerusalem, Lifetime of Jesus Christ
under Tiberius – Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D. –
by Valerius Gratus, Procurator of Judaea 15-26 possibly 15-18 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 17mm (1.65 grams)
Jerusalem mint, Year 2 of Reign of Tiberius, 15/16 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1333
IOY ΛΙA (Julia – Julia Livia, mother of Tiberius) within wreath.
LB (year 2 = 15/16 A.D.) flank upright palm branch.* Numismatic Note: This coin with the name Julia is in honor of the mother of Tiberius, Livia, whom was the wife of first Roman emperor Augustus. Tiberius was the adopted son of Augustus, being the son of Livia from her first marriage. Augustus and Livia never had children together.
17AD VALERIUS GRATUS Tiberius Livia Ancient Biblical Roman Jerusalem Coin i45095
Coin of Biblical Jerusalem, Lifetime of Jesus Christ
under Tiberius – Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D. –
by Valerius Gratus, Procurator of Judaea 15-26 possibly 15-18 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 16mm (1.82 grams)
Jerusalem mint, circa 15-18 or 15-26 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1335
IOY ΛΙA (Julia) within wreath.
LΓ (year 3 = 16/17 A.D.) flank three lilies in bloom.
PONTIUS PILATE Ancient Biblical Roman Jerusalem Coin JESUS CHRIST Time i36583
Pontius Pilate – (chiefly known for crucifixion of Jesus) ruled 26-36 A.D.
Procurator of Judaea under Emperor Tiberius, Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 16mm (2.39 grams)
Struck at the mint of Jerusalem 29 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 648
Three bound ears of barley, the outer two ears droop, surrounded by IOYΛIA KAICAPOC.
Libation ladle (simpulum) surrounded by TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC (of Tiberius Caesar)
and date LIC (Year 16).* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient biblical coin, issued by the Roman procurator whom had Jesus Christ crucified. Very rare, unique piece of ancient history.
PONTIUS PILATE Ancient Biblical Roman Jerusalem Coin JESUS CHRIST Time i36579
Pontius Pilate – (chiefly known for crucifixion of Jesus) ruled 26-36 A.D.
Procurator of Judaea under Emperor Tiberius, Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 14mm (2.03 grams) Jerusalaem 30-31 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1342.
Lituus, surrounded by TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC.
Date LIZ (= year 18 = 31 C.E.) within wreath.* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient biblical coin, issued by the Roman procurator whom had Jesus Christ crucified. Very rare, unique piece of ancient history.
Agrippa I King of Judaea 41AD Ancient Biblical Roman Jerusalem Coin i36590
Agrippa I – King of Judaea: 37-44 A.D.
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 18mm (3.42 grams)
Struck in the Jerusalem mint Year 6, 41/42 A.D. during the time of Emperor Claudius
Reference: Hendin 553
3 ears of barley. (Symbol of fertility of the land.)
Umbrella-like canopy with fringes, Greek legend “of King Agrippa”. (The Umbrella like canopy is
attributed as being a symbol of power.)
Britannicus & Nero 54AD Jerusalem Roman Coin of Claudius Antonius Felix i44947
Antonius Felix prefect under Claudius 52-60 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 17mm (1.86 grams) from the mint of Jerusalem 54 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1348 (5th Edition)
NEPW KΛAY KAICAP (Nero Claudius Caesar – son of Claudius); two oblong shields and spears crossed.
BPIT (Britannicus – younger son of Claudius) above; LIΔ KAI (year 14 of Caesar = 54 A.D.)
in fields; six-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates.* Numismatic Note: This is a rare type bearing the name of Britannicus, son of Claudius. Nero also has his name on it. Nero was the adopted son of Claudius by his marriage to Agrippina Jr. Rare and desirable type.
Porcius Festus Jerusalem Nero Ancient Greek / Roman Coin Palm branch i36709
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Procurator Porcius Festus under Roman Emperor Nero
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 16mm (2.45 grams)
of the Jerusalem mint 58 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 653
Obverse: Greek letters NEP WNO C (Nero) in wreath tied at the bottom with an X.
Reverse: Greek letters KAICAPOC (Caesar) and date LE (year 5 = 58/59 A.D), palm branch.
Jewish Freedom War with Romans Ancient JERUSALEM Coin YEAR3 Amphora Leaf i36695
First Jewish-Roman War “Great Revolt”
Bronze Prutah 18mm (2.58 grams)
Year II of the Jewish War Jerusalem mint: 67-68 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 661
Amphora with broad rim and two handles; around Hebrew inscription for Year 2.
Vine leaf on a branch and the Hebrew inscription: ‘The Freedom of Zion’.* Reference: You are bidding on an authentic coin struck by the Jews revolting in Jerusalem, which led to the sacking and destruction of the Second Temple.
Jewish Freedom War with Romans Ancient JERUSALEM Coin YEAR3 Amphora Leaf i36596
First Jewish-Roman War “Great Revolt”
Bronze Prutah 16mm (2.29 grams)
Year III of the Jewish War Jerusalem mint: 69-70 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 664
Amphora with lid and two handles; around Hebrew inscription for Year 3.
Vine leaf on a branch and the Hebrew inscription: ‘The Freedom of Zion’.* Reference: You are bidding on an authentic coin struck by the Jews revolting in Jerusalem, which led to the sacking and destruction of the Second Temple. The year III coin is much more rare than the year II, which was possibly struck even within months of the end of the war.
HADRIAN Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem) Ancient Roman Coin RARE i21770
Hadrian – Roman Emperor: 117-138 A.D. –
Bronze 22mm (9.19 grams) of Aelia Capitolina circa 130-138 A.D.
Laureate head right.
Tyche seated left, holding phiale & cornucopiae.* Numismatic Note: This interpretation that this coin is from Aelia Capitolina (Jersualem) is due to the several letters on the reverse in the field to left which I understand as AEL. The style of this type also has lead me to this interpretation. Very rare and highly coveted type.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
This video is designed for the people that may be interested in collecting ancient Greek and Roman coins from Macedonia, either as a Kingdom, Region or Province. Explored in this article and video above is a selection of various cities and kings from Macedonia that I have in my collection available for sale in my eBay online coin shop. My goal is to cut years off the learning curve in collecting ancient coins by making informative videos, and when people learn about the wonder, I can help them get the coins they want, being a win win for everyone. Please share this article, thumb up the video when you watch it as it will help others find it, as the artificial intelligence of search engines picks those things up. Enjoy!
The Roman province of Macedonia was officially established in 146 BC, after the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus defeated Andriscus of Macedon, the last self-styled King of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia in 148 BC, and after the four client republics (the “tetrarchy“) established by Rome in the region were dissolved. The province incorporated ancient Macedonia, with the addition of Epirus, Thessaly, and parts of Illyria, Paeonia and Thrace. This created a much larger administrative area, to which the name of ‘Macedonia’ was still applied. The Dardanians, to the north of the Paeonians, were not included, because they had supported the Romans in their conquest of Macedonia. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_(Roman_province)
The Ancient Coins from Macedonia
ALEXANDER I, First King of Macedonia 495BC Ancient Silver Greek Coin Rare i36780
The Macedonian Kindom
Alexander I – King: 495-454 B.C.
Silver Light Tetrobol 14mm (1.51 grams)
Reference: Sear 1484; B.M.C.5.,p.160,10
Horse pacing right; A on exergual line beneath.
Crested helmet right in linear square within shallow incuse.King of Aigai, Alexander enlarge dhis kingdom after the retreat of the Persians in 479 B.C., and was the first of the Macedonian rulers to place his name on coinage.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT Pella Antigonos II Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin i46302
Greek Coin of
Macedonian Kingdom Alexander 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 helmetin field to left; OK monogram below throne.
AKANTHOS in MACEDONIA 480BC Lion Authentic Ancient Silver Greek Coin i46281
Greek city of Akanthos in Macedonia
Silver Tetrobol 15mm (2.11 grams) Struck circa 480-470 B.C.
Reference: SNG ANS 18-21
Forepart of lioness right, seen from above; acanthus above.
Quadripartite incuse square.
OLYNTHOS in MACEDONIA for CHALKIDIAN LEAGUE 432BC Apollo Lyre Greek Coin i49241
Greek city of Olynthos in Macedonia
Chalkidian League
Bronze 15mm (3.51 grams) Struck circa 432-348 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1433; B.M.C. 5.31; Cf. Robinson-Clement Group M; SNG ANS 552
Laureate head of Apollo right.
XAΛKIΔΕΩΝ, Lyre.
PERDIKKAS III brother of PHilip Kingdom of Macedonia 365BC Greek Coin i49479
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Perdikkas III – King: 365-359 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (3.34 grams)
Reference: Sear 1515; B.M.C. 5.2,3
Head of young Hercules right wearing lion-skin headdress.
ΠΕΡΔΙΚ / KA above and below lion standing right, holding broken spear in his jaws.
Amphipolis in Macedonia 410BC Apollo Torch Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49256
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Bronze 20mm (8.18 grams) Struck 168-149 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1390 var.; SNG ANS 87 var.
Laureate head of Apollo left.
ΑΜ / ΦΙ above and below race-torch; all within linear square.
Eion in Macedonia 475BC Goose & Lizard RARE Ancient Silver Greek Coin i26077
Greek city of Eion in Macedonia
Silver Diobol 13mm (0.92 grams) circa 475-450 B.C.
Reference: SNG ANS 284; SNG Lockett 1320
Goose standing right looking back, lizard above, H behind.
Quadripartite incuse.
Alexander III the Great Bucephalus Ancient Greek MACEDONIA KOINON Coin i30608
Alexander III, the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C.
Roman Era, Olympic-Style Games Issue
Bronze 25mm (12.19 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 with loose, flowing hair.
KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NEΩ, Alexander the Great on his legendary horse, Bucephalus, galloping right with cape flowing behind him and holding spear.* Numismatic Note: Leaders like Julius Caesar and the Romans and the Greeks alike had immense respect for the great accomplishments of Alexander the Great. Macedonia, being the kingdom of Alexander the Great’s birth, this coin featuring his likeness heralds the Neocorate status of the area, along with the Olympic-style games that accompanied it. Highly-coveted type.
Akanthos in Macedonia 470BC Authentic Ancient Silver Greek Coin w Bull i36765
Greek city of Akanthos in Macedonia
Silver Tetrobol 16mm (2.36 grams) Struck circa 470-390 B.C.
Reference: SNG ANS 35
Forepart of bull kneeling left, head right, two laurel branches above.
Shallow quadripartite incuse square.
Thessalonica in Macedonia 187BC Ancient Greek Coin Athena War Magic Horse i33502
Greek city of Thessalonica in Macedonia
Bronze 18mm (4.50 grams) Struck 187-31 B.C.
Reference: SNG ANS 770
Head of Athena wearing Corinthian helmet.
ΘEΣΣAΛO / NIKHΣ above and below horse prancing right.
Thessalonica in Macedonia 88BC RARE Ancient Greek Coin Centaurs Janus i40946
Greek city of Thessalonica in Macedonia
Bronze 24mm (6.59 grams) from the ancient Greek city of Thessalonica in
the Province of Macedonia 88-21 B.C. under the control of the Romans
Reference: Moushmov 6607
Laureate head of Janus
ΘEΣΣAΛONIKEΩN, Two Centaurs prancing, back to back, each holding branch.
URANOPOLIS in MACEDONIA 300BC Aphrodite as Uranus Earth Globe Greek Coin i42118
Greek city of Uranopolis in Macedon
Bronze 17mm (3.47 grams) Struck circa 300 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1475; SNG Cop. 455; SNG ANS 914;SNG Evelpidis 1363; BMC 2
Eight-rayed star, representing the sun.
OYPANIΔΩΝ ΠΟΛΕΩΣ, Aphrodite Urania seated facing on globe, holding sceptre.
AMPHIPOLIS in MACEDONIA 158BC Shield Helmet Ancient Silver Greek Coin i30137
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Silver Tetrobol 14mm (2.48 grams) Struck 158-149 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1387 cf.; B.M.C. 5., p.9,11 cf.
Macedonian shield, at center of which MA / KE above and below club right.
Macedonian helmet left, with cheek-pieces.
PHILIP V King of Macedonia 180BC Rare Greek Coin HERO O PERSEUS Flute i21960
Greek King: Philip V – King of Macedonia: 221-179 B.C.
Bronze 18mm (4.04 grams) Uncertain Macedonian mint. Struck circa 180/79 B.C.
Reference: Mamroth, Bronzemünzen 28; Touratsoglou, Macedonia 24; SNG München 1194
Head of hero Perseus right, wearing winged Phrygian helmet.
B A / Φ above and below harpa within oak wreath.
Greek city of Philippi in Macedonia
Bronze 18mm (5.80 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, bow in case to left.
KASSANDER king of Macedonia 319BC Hercules Lion Ancient Greek Coin i49232
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Kassander – King: 319-297 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (2.94 grams) Struck at Pella or Amphipolis
Reference: SNG Copenhagen 1154-5; Cf. SNG Alpha Bank 937-41 (monograms).
Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion’s skin.
BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAΣΣANΔPOY, Lion walking left, broken spear in jaws; monograms below.
AMPHAXITIS Macedonia 196BC Hercules & Club RARE Ancient Greek Coin i30661
Greek city of Amphaxitis in Macedon
Bronze 21mm (6.51 grams) Struck 196-168 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1376; B.M.C. 5.1,2; AMNG III 73; SNG Copenhagen 36 var. (monograms)
Head of young Hercules right, in lion’s skin.
ΑΜΦΑ / ΞΙΩΝ abow and below club right, within oak-wreath; monogram beneath.’Autonomous issue in the time of the Macedonian kings Philip V and Perseus.
Macedonia 288BC Ancient Greek Coin Shield w Gorgon’s head Helmet i30222
Greek – Macedonia during the Interregnum period 288-277 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (3.82 grams) Reference: Sear 6781
Macedonian shield with Gorgon’s head at center.
Macedonian helmet dividing B – A ; in lower field to left, caduceus; to right, monogram.
TRAGILOS in MACEDONIA 400BC Hermes & Rose Ancient Greek Coin i31186
Greek city of Tragilos in Macedonia
Bronze 17mm (4.52 grams) Struck circa 400 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1472; SNG ANS 911; SNG Copenhagen 452
Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos.
TPAIΛION, Rose; crescent in field to right.
Roman Republic Caecilia 29a Conquest of Macedonia Shield Elephant Coin i45456
Roman Republic M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. Metellus moneyer
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.78 grams) Rome mint, circa 127 B.C.
Reference: Caecilia 29a; B.M.C. 1147; Syd. 480a; Craw. 263/1b
Head of Roma right, ROMA downward behind, star below chin.
M. METELLVS. Q . F around Macedonian shield with elephant’s head at center; all within laurel wreath.
Roman Protectorate of Macedonia 168BC Roma Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i40774
Greek city of the Roman Protectorate of Macedonia
Bronze 25mm (11.47 grams) Struck circa 168-167 B.C.
Time of Aemilius Paullus. Gaius Publilius. Quaestor, circa 168-167 B.C.
Helmeted head of Roma right.
MAKEΔONΩN / TAMIOY ΓAIOY / ΠΟΠΛΙΛIΟΥ in three lines, all within oak wreath.* Numismatic Note: Very rare, possibly unpublished coin from the Roman Macedonian protectorate with the name of the famous consul of the Roman Republic!
AUGUSTUS 27BC Edessa in Macedonia Authentic Ancient Roman Coin i33917
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 22mm (9.83 grams) of Edessa in Macedonia
Reference: Sear GIC 28; B.M.C. 5.39,16
ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ, Laureate head right.
ΕΔΕΣ / ΣΑΙΩΝ in two lines within laurel-wreath; Θ above.
Tiberius 14AD Philippi Macedonia City Foundation Scene Ancient Roman Coin i30519
Tiberius – Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D. –
Bronze 18mm (4.18 grams) mint of Philippi in Macedonia 14-37 A.D.
Reference: RPC I 1657; BMC 89
TI AVG, Bare head of Tiberius right.
Foundation scene, two priests (pontiffs) plowing with two oxen right.
Claudius 41AD Province of Macedonia Ancient Roman Coin Macedonian shield i32126
Claudius – Roman Emperor: 41-54 A.D. –
Bronze 24mm (6.87 grams) from the Province of Macedonia 41-54 A.D.
Reference: RPC 1612; SGI 425.
TI KΛAVΔIOΣ KAIΣAP, bare head left.
ΣEBAΣTOΣ MAKEΔONΩN around the Macedonian shield.
TITUS & DOMITIAN CAESARS 77AD Stobi Macedonia Roman Coin Dionysus Temple i28335
Titus & Domitian as Caesars
Bronze 25mm (5.10 grams) of Stobi in Macedonia Struck 77-78 A.D.
Reference: RPC 311; Boric-Breskovic, Stobi, p. 29, Type 3; AMNG III -; Varbanov 3805
T CAESAR IMP DOMITIANVS CAESAR, Laureate and draped bust of Titus right vis-à-vis bare head of Domitian left.
MVNICIPI STOBENSIVM, tetra-style temple on podium with two steps; inside, Dionysus standing left; clipeus in pediment.
DOMITIAN 81AD Amphipolis Macedonia ARTEMIS Ancient Roman / Greek Coin i29397
Domitian – Roman Caesar: 69-81 A.D. Emperor: 81-96 A.D. –
Bronze 19mm (5.99 grams) of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Reference: RPC 341; SNG Cop. 100
AVTO KЄCAP ΔOMITIANOC, Laureate head right.
ΑΜΦΙΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ, Artemis Tauropolos standing left, holding long torch and branch, shield at her feet.
MARCUS AURELIUS 161AD Macedonia Koinon Shield Ancient Roman Coin i48742
Marcus Aurelius – Roman Emperor: 161-180 A.D. –
Bronze 18mm (5.58 grams) of Macedonia Koinon
Reference: Varbanov 3046 var. (head laureate), Moushmov 5890 var. (same), AMNG 283 var. (same)
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
KOINON MAKEDOΔΟΝΩΝ around Macedonian shield.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
The ancient Greeks used several metals, predominantly gold, silver and bronze types for their money standards. The ancient Greek world had a lot of city-states and kingdoms that stretched out into vast empires. The purpose of this guide and video illustrated above is to get you acquainted with some of the rarest, most desirable types of ancient silver Greek coins. With the focus being on silver, we explore 35 different ancient coins in my collection which are available in my online eBay coin shop.
Just Some of the RARE Ancient Greek Coins Large Small and All Sizes in Between – Watch the video above or scroll to see pictures
The benefit of this guide is that you are leveraging my many years of experience in dealing with ancient coins to benefit you. I have worked with over 55,000 ancient coins, antiquities and even world coins. I guarantee all of my coins authentic for a lifetime and provide a beautiful, professionally-presented Certificate of Authenticity with every coin. I am appreciative of my amazing patrons who value ancient coins or see them as art in miniature and I am grateful for their positive comments about their experiences with me.
Enjoy the many descriptions and pictures of the coins I show in the video. When clicking on the photos below, it will bring up all silver Greek coins, or if you click on the underlined words, you will search my store for that term to see all coins with that keyword.
KAULONIA in BRUTTIUM 530BC Very RARE Ancient Silver Greek Stater Coin i31196
Greek city of Kaulonia in Bruttium
Silver Stater 28mm (6.23 grams) Struck 530-480 B.C.
Reference: Sear 252; B.M.C. 1.9
KAVΛ. Apollo, naked, walking right, holding laurel-branch in right hand and bearing on his left arm a small running naked figure, also carrying branch; in field to right, stag standing right, looking back.
Similar to obverse, but incuse and reversed, and without legend.
Side in Pamphylia 183BC Silver Tetradrachm LARGE Ancient Greek Coin i54544
Greek city of Side in Pamphylia
Silver Tetradrachm 28mm (16.34 grams) Struck circa 183-175 B.C. under Kleuchares, magistrate.
Reference: SNG von Aulock 4797; SNG France 696-701; SNG Copenhagen 40
Helmeted head of Athena right. Nike advancing left, holding wreath; in left field, pomegranate; ΚΛΕ – ΥΧ across fields.
Greek city of Athens in Attica Greece –
Archaic Silver Tetradrachm 20mm (16.90 grams) Struck circa 490-482 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 1591 (R2); Seltman 1927, Groups E and F; Cf. Svoronos Pl. 5; cf. Asyut pl. XVIII
Archaic head of Athena right wearing crested helmet decorated with chevron and dot pattern.
Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, ΑΘΕ before.
Athens in Attica Greece 320BC Ancient Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin i40763
Greek city of Athens in Attica Greece –
Silver Tetradrachm 21mm (17.13 grams) Struck circa 320-294 B.C.
Reference: Svornos-pl.20#5
Head of Athena right, of more advanced style, the eye seen in true profile; she wears crested helmet
ornamented with three olive-leaves and floral scroll. Owl standing right, head facing; to right AΘE; to left, olive-twig and crescent.
Greek city of Kelenderis in Cilicia
Silver Stater 22mm (10.67 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.
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.
Kingdom of ELYMAIS Kamnaskires VI 1-2CenAD Silver Tetradrachm Greek Coin i46270
Greek Coin Kingdom of Elymais
Kamnaskires VI – King: late 1st-early 2nd Century A.D.
Billon Silver Tetradrachm 29mm (14.66 grams)
Reference: Sear GIC 5888; B.M.C. 28.250,14; De Morgan 17 (pl. II, 1)
Diademed and cuirassed bust of king left, with long beard and wide fringe of hair below diadem; behind, star within crescent above anchor.
Male bust left, diademed and draped, with short beard; badly blundered Greek legend in four lines forming square around.
ARADOS in PHOENICIA 350BC Stater Deity Galley Ancient Silver Greek Coin i46289
Greek city of Arados in Phoenicia
of King Gerostratos possibly
Silver Stater 18mm (9.87 grams) Struck 350-332 B.C.
Reference: Sear 5977; B.M.C. 26.11,67
Laureate head of bearded deity right.
Galley right, on three lines of waves; above, Phoenician letters.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT Pella Antigonos II Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin i46302
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Alexander 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.
Greek Coin of Seleucid Kingdom Seleukos I, Nikator – King: 312-280 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 26mm (17.27 grams) Struck circa 312-280 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6831 var.; HGC 9, 18
Laureate head of Zeus right.
Athena, brandishing spear and holding shield, standing in chariot drawn right by four horned elephants; on left, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; in exergue, ΣEΛΕYKOY.
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 Pegasus, with pointed wing, flying left; koppa beneath.
Helmeted head of Athena left; behind, N and triskeles of crescents within circle.
LARISSA in THESSALY 356BC Silver Drachm Nymph Horse Ancient Greek Coin i47969
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 20mm (5.86 grams) Struck circa 356-320 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 453; BCD Thessaly II, lot 280
Pedigree: Ex BCD Collection with his original hand-written tag and photos of this coin
Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left, wearing ampyx.
ΛAPI/ΣΑIΩN, Horse grazing right.
Greek city of Lyttos in Crete
Silver Drachm 20mm (5.50 grams) Struck circa 430-320 B.C..
Reference: Sear 3237; Svoronos, Numismatique 19; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 5 Eagle flying left.
ΓVΤΤSΘΝ, Head of boar right in dotted square within incuse square.
THASOS an ISLAND off THRACE Archaic 525BC Satyr Nymph Silver Greek Coin i49355
Greek city of Thasos, an Island off Thrace
Silver Stater 22mm (8.54 grams) Struck circa 525-463 B.C.
Reference: HGC 6, 331; Le Rider 1-2 and 5; Sear 1357; Weber 2500; Price & Waggoner 100-126
Naked ithyphallic satyr in kneeling-running attitude right, carrying in his arms a struggling nymph who raises her right hand in protest.
Quadripartite incuse square.
Rhegion in Bruttium 415BC Lion Apollo Drachm Ancient Silver Greek Coin i44063
Greek city of Rhegion in Bruttium
Silver Drachm 15mm (3.89 grams) Struck 415-387 B.C.
Reference: Sear 502; B.M.C.1.38 Lion‘s scalp facing.
PHΓINON, Laureate head of Apollo right, olive-sprig behind.
SKOTUSSA in THESSALY 440BC Horse Wheat-grain Ancient Silver Greek Coin i52158
Greek city of Skotussa in Thessaly Silver Drachm 18mm (6.02 grams) Struck circa 440-420 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 587; Sear 2217; BCD Thessaly II, lots 728-729; Weber 2927
Forepart of horse prancing left.
ΣKO, Wheat-grain in its husk; all within incuse square.
EPHESOS in IONIA 340BC SILVER Tetradrachm Bee Stag Ancient Greek Coin i53493
Greek city of Ephesos in Ionia
Silver Tetradrachm 24mm (15.01 grams) Struck circa 340-325 B.C under magistrate Euktitos
Reference: BMC 41; Pixodarus O155-2; Head Chronology, p. 34, class a, 26, Mionnet S VI, 191; Babelon Traite 1883.40
E-Φ to left and right of bee with straight wings.
EYKTITOΣ, Forepart of stag recumbent right, head left, palm tree to left.
JUBA II Mauretenia CLEOPATRA SELENE Mark Antony CHILD Silver Greek Coin i53496
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
REX IVBA, Diademed head of Juba II right.
BACIΛICCA KΛЄOΠΑΤΡΑ, large star within crescent.
Greek city of Aspendos in Pamphylia
Silver Stater 22mm (10.46 grams) Struck 370-333 B.C.
Reference: Sear 5398 var.; B.M.C. 19. 98, 35-6 var. Pedigree: Ex Bowers January 1984, 3287
Two naked athletes, wrestling, grasping each other by the arms; AΦ between them.
Slinger standing right, about to discharge his sling; triskeles before; ΕΣΤFEΔIΙYΣ behind; all within dotted square.
Greek city Kroton in Bruttium
Silver Stater / Nomos 22mm (7.79 grams) Struck circa 350-300 B.C.
Reference: SNGANS-362; HNItaly-2172 Eagle standing left atop olive branch. Tripod altar, KPO in field to left; Δ in field to right.
APAMEIA in PHRYGIA 88BC Cistophoric Tetradrachm Ancient Silver Greek Coin i53491
Greek city of Apameia in Phrygia
Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm 23mm (11.28 grams) Struck circa 88-67 B.C.
Attalos and Timo-, magistrates.
Reference: Sear 5113 var.; Kleiner, Late Issue XVII; SNG Copenhagen 156 Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy-wreath.
Two serpents entwined around bow and bowcase; ATTA/ΛΟY/TIMΩ in three lines above, aulos (double flute) to right; TA in field to left.
VELIA in LUCANIA 300BC Philistion group Silver Greek Coin Athena Lion i53521
Greek city of Velia in Lucania Silver Stater 21mm (6.89 grams) Struck circa 300-280 B.C. Philistion group.
Reference: Williams 506 (O254/R355); HN Italy 1312; SNG ANS 1387; Weber 938
Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a dolphin, Φ on neck guard. Lion standing right; above, Φ-I flanking ornate trident head right; YEΛHTΩN in exergue.
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
Silver Didrachm 21mm (8.23 grams) Struck circa 510-500 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 87 Rare R1; Jenkins 1970, Group Ia
AKRA/CANTOΣ, Eagle standing left. Crab.
Celtic Eastern Europe Silver Tetradrachm as Greek Philip II Macedon Coin i54000
Celtic Tribe of Eatern Europe
Making coins in style of Greek king Philip II – King of Macedon: 359-336 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 25mm (14.20 grams) under unknown Celtic Tribe circa Early 3rd century B.C.
Reference: Lanz -; CCCBM I -; Pink –
Laureate head of Zeus right.
ΦΙΛΠΠΟΥ, Youth on horseback right, holding palm; below belly, Λ above torch; K below raised foreleg.
THASOS Island off Thrace Dionysus Hercules Silver Greek Tetradrachm Coin i54356
Greek city of Thasos, an Island off Thrace
Silver Tetradrachm 35mm (16.68 grams) Struck after 148 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1759; B.M.C 3. 67-78; SNG Cop. 1039
Head of young Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy and with the band across forehead.
HPAKΛΕΟΥΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΘΑΣΙΩΝ, Hercules, naked, standing left, holding club, lion’s skin over left arm; monogram in field to left.
WINGED MONSTER on RARE Himera in Sicily 465BC Ancient Silver Greek Coin i36632
Greek city of Himera in Sicily
Silver Litra 11mm (0.63 grams) Struck circa 465-415 B.C.
Reference: Sear 816 var; B.M.C. 2.41 var.
Forepart of monster right, with bearded human head, goat’s horn, lion’s paw and curled wing.
HIMERAION, Naked youth seated on goat prancing left.
Tarsus Cilicia 369BC Silver Greek Coin NGC Certified AU Datames Satrap i28602
Greek city of Tarsus in Cilicia
Datames, Persian Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, 369-361 B.C. Silver Stater (23mm, 10.55gm.), Tarsos, 369-361 B.C.
Reference: SNGLev 83; SNGFr 292, BMC 35; SNG Cop 300, SNGvA 5943.
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch AU Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5 4277593-001
BALTRZ (=Baaltars) in Aramaic to left, Baaltars seated right, torso facing, holding eagle-tipped scepter in right hand, grain ear & grape-bunch in left; thymiaterion to right; all within crenellated wall.
TDNM (=Datames) in Aramaic in the center, Ana, nude, facing Datames; both have their right arms raised; between them, thymiaterion; all within pelleted square border within linear border.
KROTON in BRUTTIUM 480BC Silver Stater NGC Certified Ch XF Greek Coin i53836
Greek city Kroton in Bruttium
Silver Stater 20mm (7.58 grams) Struck circa 480-430 B.C.
Reference: SNG ANS-266 NGC Ancients Certified Ch XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 3762382-007
Tripod altar, heron at left.
Incuse altar.
Pedigree: From the Dr. Michael Phillip Collection.
Ex: Stack’s Sale December 7, 8 1989 Lot# 3016.
Ex: Stack’s Sawhill Sale March 1979 Lot#1009.
Ex: Stack’s Massachusetts Historical Society Sale March 1971, Lot# 77.
Greek city of Kyrene in Kyrenaica Silver Didrachm 18mm (7.73 grams) Struck circa 308-277 B.C.
Reference: SNG Cop-1234; BMC-29.51,229 NGC Ancients Certified Ch VF Strike: 3/5 Surface: 5/5 3762382-009
Diademed head of Carneius wearing horn of Ammon facing right.
Silphium plant with two pairs of leaves, cornucopiae in right field.
Pedigree: From the Dr. Michael Phillip Collection; Ex: Stack’s Sale December 7, 8 1989 Lot# 3212.
AMPHIPOLIS in MACEDONIA 158BC NGC Certified TETRADRACHM Silver Greek Coin i54510
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia
Silver Tetradrachm 30mm (16.96 grams) Struck 158-149 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1386
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 3987680-080
Macedonian shield, at center of which but of Artemis Tauropolos right; bow and quiver at her shoulder.
MAKEΔONΩΝ / ΠΡΩΤΗΣ above and below club right; in field above, monogram; all within oak-wreath,
to left of which, thunderbolt.
225BC Alexander the Great LYSIMACHOS Kalchedon Tetradrachm NGC Greek Coin i54512
Greek city of Kalchedon in Bithynia
in the name and types of Lysimachos – King of Thrace: 323-281 B.C. –
Silver Tetradrachm 28mm (16.94 grams) Struck circa 225 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 526; Marinescu Group IV, Issue 46, 104.1 (O41/R95 – this coin); Müller 254
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 4246219-010
Diademed head right of the deified Alexander the Great, wearing the horn of Ammon.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑXΟΥ, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, spear behind; bow and quiver to inner left; monogram in field to left; grain ear below.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 260BC NGC Certified Silver TETRADRACHM Greek Coin i54522
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 27mm (16.74 grams) Kalchedon in Bithynia mint, circa 260-220 B.C.
Reference: Price 929 var. (Kallatis; monogram below throne); SNG München -; SNG Alpha Bank -; SNG Saroglos – Certification: NGC Ancients XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 Fine Style 4277580-002
Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔΡOY, Zeus Aetophoros seated left, holding eagle and scepter; KA monogram in field to left; ΔX monogram below throne.
Patraos King of Paeonia 335BC NGC Certified Ch XF Silver Tetradrachm Coin i54736
Greek Coin of the Kingdom of Paeonia Patraos – King, circa 340-315 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 27mm (12.49 grams) Struck circa 335-315 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1520; B.M.C. 5.4; Paeonian Hoard I, 227 (these dies); SNG ANS 1030
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 4277578-004
Provenance: ex Paeonian Hoard of 1968 (IGCH 410)
Laureate head of Apollo right, with short hair.
ΠATPAOY, Paeonian cavalryman, wearing crested Attic helmet and full armor, on horseback galloping right and spearing fallen Macedonian solider holding a round shield, a bucranium in left field.
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 guide is to share the information about the types of ancient Greek coins that were struck by the Greek towns of the area in central Greece known as Thessaly. With the list you can see below, you can use to search my store by clicking on the term, or printed out as a check-list to help you put together a coin collection from the area. With the video and the list of coins along with pictures and descriptions of them, you too, can become an expert in these types of coins. Some of the cities just issued bronze coins, others issued gold silver and bronze types.
The most comprehensive book on the subject is Handbook of Ancient Greek Coins Volume 4 by Oliver D. Hoover. The other book to get is the Volume I and Volume II of Ancient Greek Coins and Their Values by David R. Sear. You can also see pictures and descriptions of coins from Thessaly for research purposes at this research site, by scrolling to the section on Thessaly with much information about the coin types.
The most prominent town of ancient Thessaly was Larissa, which minted some of the most prolific coin types of that area. Many of the city’s coins featured a nymph and a horse. Many of the coins of ancient Thessaly featured horses. Thessaly issued coins into the Roman times, and the types are known as Greek Imperial/ Roman Provincial. Coins discussed in this video include those of Augustus, Claudius and Gallienus.
Examples of Authentic Ancient Greek Coins of Thessaly
See the coins illustrated in the video here. It is great to see what these coins look like and get to appreciate the art and history of them.
LARISSA in THESSALY 356BC Silver Drachm Nymph Horse Ancient Greek Coin i47970
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
Pedigree: Ex BCD Collection with his original hand-written tag and photos of this coin
Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left, wearing ampyx.
ΛAPI/ΣΑIΩN, Horse grazing right.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.
LARISSA in THESSALY 420BC Silver Drachm HERO vs BULL Ancient Greek Coin i47972
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Drachm 20mm (5.72 grams) Struck circa 420-400 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 420; BCD Thessaly II, lot 173-175 and 370.1; ANG Ashmolean 3860
Pedigree: Ex BCD Collection with his original hand-written tag and photos of this coin
Hero (Thessalos or Jason) wrestling a bull.
ΛAPI/ΣΑIΩN, Horse grazing right.This type references taurokathapsia (bull-wrestling) with the depiction of a hero wrestling the bull, which was a sport played at the Taureia games honoring Poseiodn Taureios. Jason was the father of Thessalos in a mythological tradition whom in turn was the ancestor of the entire Thessalian people.
Larissa in Thessaly 460BCObol Horse Lion Hydira Ancient Silver Greek Coin i46757
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Obol 12mm (0.72 grams) Struck circa 460-400 B.C.
Reference: BCD Thessaly II 358.1
Horse prancing right; above, head of lion right.
Larissa standing right, balancing hydria on raised knee; to left, lion’s head fountain right, from which water pours forth; Λ Α RI around from upper left; all within incuse square.
LARISSA in THESSALY 462BC Obol Bull Horse Ancient Silver Greek Coins i46360
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Silver Obol 11mm (0.94 grams) Struck circa 462-460 B.C.
Reference: BCD Thessaly II 147; Liampi, Corpus 15i (V7/R9)
Head and neck of bull left, turning to face viewer.
ΛΑ (retrograde) downward to right, head and neck of bridled horse right; all within incuse square.
Larissa in Thessaly 350BC RARE Authentic Ancient Greek Coin Nymph Horse i42111
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
Bronze 18mm (7.42 grams) Struck 350-325 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2132 var., B.M.C. 7. 86.
Head of nymph Larissa three-quarter face to left, wearing necklace; hair confined by fillet
and floating loosely, with ampyx in front.
ΛΑΡΙΣΑIΩN. – Thessalian horseman right, holding spear, horse prancing; beneath, Σ.
LARISSA Thessaly THESSALIAN LEAGUE 196BC Athena Apollo Greek Coin i43487
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly
under Thesssalian League
Bronze 19mm (6.61 grams) Struck 196-27 B.C.
Hippolochos, magistrate.
Reference: Rogers 21; SNG Copenhagen 315
Laureate head of Apollo right.
ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear held in her right hand, shield on her left arm; above spear; IΠΠ-OΛO; A to left; to right, P above I.
PHARSALOS in THESSALY 400BC Athena Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49251
Greek city of Pharsalos in Thessaly
Bronze 15mm (3.40 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 654; Sear 2196; Rogers 485-487; BCD Thessaly II, 653, 666.2
Head of Athena left in close-fitting crested Attic helmet ornamented with figure of Skylla.
ΦΑΡΣ, Helmeted cavalryman charging right on horseback, brandishing flail upon which bird perches.One of the more important towns of Thessaly, Pharsalos was built on the northern slopes of Mt. Narthakios. It was the scene of Caesar’s famous victory over Pompey in 48 B.C.
PHARSALOS in THESSALY 400BC Athena Horseman Footman Ancient Greek Coin i49255
Greek city of Pharsalos in Thessaly
Bronze 21mm (9.17 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 646; Sear 2193 var.; Rogers 503-504; BCD Thessaly II, 671.3-4
Head of Athena three-quarter face to left, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet.
ΦΑΡΣ, Helmeted cavalryman charging right on horseback, brandishing flail; bird perches on helmet; footman advancing right, behind, carrying flail over shoulder.
PHARSALOS in THESSALY 400BC Athena Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49216
Greek city of Pharsalos in Thessaly
Bronze 12mm (1.58 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 655; Sear 2197; Weber 2912; BCD Thessaly I, lot 1286;
BCD Thessaly II, lots 649 and 654
Head of Athena in Attic helmet right adorned with Skylla.
ΦΑΡΣ, Head of horse right.
SKOTUSSA Thessaly400BC Hercules Horse Rare Ancient Silver Greek Coin i22382
Greek city of Skotussa in Thessaly
Silver Trihemiobol 12mm (1.00 grams) Struck 400-367 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2219 var.
Bearded head of Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin.
Forepart of horse right, left leg raised; Σ-KO in lower field.
Details about SKOTUSSA in THESSALY 300BC Ares Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49475
Greek city of Skotussa in Thessaly
Bronze 20mm (5.32 grams) Struck 300-200 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 615; Sear 2223
Head of Ares right, in close-fitting helmet ornamented with plume.
ΣKOTOYΣ / ΣAIΩN above and below horse prancing right.
Details about KRANNON in THESSALY 400BC Horseman Hydria Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49156
Greek city of Krannon in Thessaly
Bronze 15mm (4.87 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.
Details about Perrhaiboi in Thessaly 450BC Athena Horse Ancient Greek Silver Coin i46721
Greek city of Perrhaiboi in Thessaly
Silver Obol 13mm (0.78 grams) Struck circa 450-400 B.C.
Reference: BCD Thessaly II 551.1
Horse prancing right.
Π–E–P–A, Athena Itonia, holding spear, aegis over arm, advancing right within incuse square.
Details about Larissa Kremaste in Thessaly 300BC ACHILLES Troy Hero Ancient Greek Coin i49349
Greek city of Larissa Kremaste in Thessaly
Bronze Trichalkon 19mm (5.34 grams) Struck circa 300-200 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 13; BCD Thessaly II, 403
Head of Achilles left.
ΛΑΡΙ, Thetis riding hippocamp left, charring shield.Situated in the south of Thessaly, Larissa Kremaste was built on a height, hence its name. It was taken by Demetrios Poliorketes in 302 B.C., during his invasion of Thessaly. The myth goes that Achilles, the tragic hero of the Trojan war was born in the city and ruled a port of it’s dominions. Larissa Kremaste was also the city that Perseus visited on his exile from Argos. Thetis was the mother of Achilles, who is shown on coins from the city to be delivering weapons to him that were forged by the smith god, Hephaistos.
Details about MOPSION Thessaly 350BC MOPSUS v CENTAUR RARE Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i46547
Greek city of Mopsion in Thessaly
Bronze Trichalkon 22mm (8.53 grams) Struck circa 2nd half of the 4th century B.C.
Reference: Sear 2154
Head of Zeus three-quarter face to right; thunderbolt in field to right.
ΜΟΨEIΩΝ, The Lapith Mopsons, naked, standing facing, wielding club about to strike Centaur rearing left, holding boulder over head with both hands.
Details about Greek city of Perrhaiboi in Thessaly Authentic Ancient Coin 2ndCenBC Zeus i42044
Greek city of Perrhaiboi in Thessaly
Bronze Trichalkon 22mm (6.35 grams) Struck Late 2nd to early 1st century B.C.
Reference: Rogers 440; SNG Copenhagen 197; BCD Thessaly II 561; SNG Alpha bank 194ff
Laureate and bearded head of Zeus right.
ΠEPPAIBΩN, Hera, diademed and draped, seated right on backless throne, holding long scepter with her right and resting her left on her knee.
Details about GYRTON in THESSALY 400BC Zeus Cult Horse Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i37414
Greek city of Gyrton in Thessaly
Bronze 20mm (6.86 grams) Struck 400-344 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2089; B.M.C. 7.5
Laureate head of Zeus left.
ΓΥΡΤΩΝΙΟΝ, Horse trotting left; ΠM monogram below.
Details about PHALANNA in THESSALY 350BC Ares Nymph Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i49209
Greek city of Phalanna in Thessaly
Bronze 17mm (4.06 grams) Struck circa 350-325 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 175; Sear 2180; BCD Thessaly I, lot 1255; BCD Thessaly II, lots 578-580 and 591 3-8
Head of Ares right.
ΦΑΛΑΝΝΑΙΩΝ, Head of nymph Phalanna right, hair in sakkos.
Details about PHAKION in THESSALY 350BC Persephone Horseman RARE Ancient Greek Coin i49477
Greek city of Phakion in Thessaly
Bronze 19mm (5.73 grams) Struck circa 300-200 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 542 (R1); Sear 2176; Papevangelou 1996, nos. 1-42; BCD Thessaly I, lot 1249; BCD Thessaly II, lot 566; B.M.C. 7.1,2
Head of Persephone right, wreathed with grain.
ΦΑΚΙΑΣΤΩΝ, Horseman trotting right, right hand raised.
HALOS in THESSALY 302BC Zeus Phrixus on GOLDEN Ram RARE Greek Coin i49230
Greek city of Halos in Thessaly
Bronze 14mm (1.40 grams) Struck circa 302-265 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 8 (R1); BCD Thessaly II, lot 86.2
Laureate head of Zeus right.
AΛΕΩN, Phrixos riding ram right.Where Halos was originally located is unknown, however it is known that to have been located in the northern Achaia Phthiotis and overlooked Crocus Field. The myth of the city starts at the Halean temple of Zeus Lpahystios where the twins Helle and Phrixos were to be sacrificed, when a golden-fleeced flying ram was sent to rescue them by their mother, the nymph Nephele. King Athamas of Boiotia, was the father of Helle and Phrixos and was believed to have been the founder of the city. At the end of the Third Sacred War, in 346 B.C. the city was destroyed by the Macedonian general Parmenion. In 302 B.C. the city was re-founded, but this time closer to the sea coast by either Kassander or his rival Demetrios Poliorketes, rivals for the Macedonian throne. By around 265 B.C. the city was abandoned ostensibly due to a bad earthquake.
Greek city of Pelinna in Thessaly
Bronze 15mm (2.86 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C.
Reference: HGC 4, 284; Sear 2166 var. (horseman right)
Helmeted cavalryman charging left on horseback, spearing fallen hoplite.
ΠEΛΛINAEI, Thessalian peltast advancing lef, brandishing javelin and holding shield and javelin.
Greek city of Demetrias in Thessaly
Federal Coinage of The Magnetes
Bronze 20mm (6.20 grams) Struck 196-146 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2138; B.M.C. 7.11
Laureate head of Zeus left.
ΜΑΓΝΗΤΩΝ, Centaur standing right, right hand held before him, holding branch in left; plough to left, HΔ monogram below.
Details about LAMIA in THESSALY 325BC Athena Philoktetes Trojan War Archer Greek Coin i49224
Greek city of Lamia in Thessaly
Issuing in the name of the Malians (also known as the Malienses)
Bronze Chalkous 15mm (1.50 grams) Struck circa 325-300 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2142; Georgiou, Mint 16; Rogers (Malia) 384; BCD Thessaly II 125; HGC 4, 106
Helmeted head of Athena right.
MAΛIEΩ, Philoktetes right, shooting arrow at bird falling to right; quiver to lower right.
Details about PEUMA in THESSALY 302BC Achilles Trojan War Troy Hero Ancient Greek Coin i49485
Greek city of Peuma in Thessaly
Bronze Chalkous 12mm (1.88 grams) Struck circa 302-286 B.C.
Reference: Rogers 442; BCD Thessaly II 565
Wreathed head of Achilles right.
ΠEYMATIΩN around AX monogram; Phrygian helmet to right.
Details about Pherai in Thessaly TYRANT Teisiphon 358BC Bull Horse Ancient Greek Coin i49345
Greek city of Pherai in Thessaly
Teisiphon – Tyrant of Pherai: 358-354 B.C.
Bronze Chalkous 15mm (2.22 grams)
Reference: HGC 4; 585; Sear 2214; Rogers 530; BCD Thesssaly I, lot 1316; BCD Thessaly II, lots 709-710
Forepart of bull right, head facing.
ΤΕΙΣΙΦΟΝΟΥ, forepart of horse prancing right.Teisiphon was the brother of Thebe who was the wife of the previous tyrant, Alexander. Thebe opened the door to Alexander’s bedchamber. Teisiphons two brothers held Alexander down while Teisiphon finished him off with his sword. Through bribery, Teisiphon was able to get the support of Alexander’s mercenaries, which they used to destroy the political opposition to his reign. Then he became the tyrant of the city, although he may have been a puppet of his sister Thebe. Teisiphon was succeeded by two further tyrants, whom were eventually overthrown by Philip II, king of Macedon.Situated west of Mt. Pelion, Pherai was the second city of Thessaly, after Larissa. In the 4th Century B.C. its tyrants extended their power over most of the region.
Details about AUGUSTUS 27BC Thessaly Koinon ATHENA Authentic Ancient Roman Coin RARE i47217
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze Diassarion 22mm (10.46 grams) of Thessaly, Koinon of Thessaly
Megalokles, strategos, and Arist–, tamias(?)
Reference: Burrer Em. 2, Series 2, 69 (A17/R58); BCD Thessaly I 1398; RPC I 1428
ΣEBAΣ-TOΣ ΘEΣΣAΛΩN, laureate head right
ΣTPATHΓOY M-EΓAΛOKΛEOYΣ APIΣT, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear held in right hand, shield on her left arm; monogram to right.
Details about CLAUDIUS 41AD Koinon of Thessaly Thessalian League Athena Roman Coin i42048 Rare
Claudius – Roman Emperor: 41-54 A.D. –
Bronze Diassarion 24mm (7.57 grams) of THESSALY, Koinon of Thessaly
Antigonos, strategos
Reference: RPC 1435-1436; Burrer Em. 1, Series 3, Grp. 1a, 43 corr. (A15/R34; rev. legend)
ΘΕΣΣΑΛΩΝ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗΩΝ, Bare head of Augustus right.
ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΥ, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear held in her right hand, shield on her left arm; monogram in left field.
Details about GALLIENUS 253AD Koinon of Thessaly Athena Authentic Ancient Roman Coin i49342
Gallienus – Roman Emperor: 253-268 A.D. –
Bronze Tetrassarion 25mm (10.33 grams) of Koinon of Thessaly in Thessaly
Reference: Sear GIC 4530 var.; Burrer, MA–G 53; BCD Thessaly II 991.2-991.3
AVT. ΓΑΛΛΗNΟC ΑVΓ, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
KOINON ΘЄΣΣΑΛΩΝ, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with right hand, shield on left arm; Δ (mark of value) to left.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
GOLD. The word in itself connotes opulence, greatness, beauty and power. This guide is designed to teach you about the various different coins possible to collect. What is shown in this video and the article with pictures of the items from the video are ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, medieval and world coins, along with several artifacts of interest, all sharing one thing in common, being made of GOLD! May this guide inspire you, or perhaps just show you the art and history of ancient coins.
The coins shown in this video and article are coins available in my Ancient Greek Roman and Biblical Coin eBay store. Where along with gold, I have coins made of silver and bronze also, with bronze being most plentiful, so this way I have something for everyone, whether you are a beginner collector or want to pick out a unique gift, for under $50 (a beautiful bronze) coin I have what you need.
You can see what I have offered at this moment:
The Different types of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and World Coins
This is just a small selection of the vast world of the various ancient and world coins available for sale. The benefit that my patrons have in dealing with me is my vast experience of having worked with over 55,000 items which allows you to leverage my many years experience, along with a large over 14,000 item inventory to select some really interesting and rare numismatic items and antiquities. I guarantee all of my items authentic for a lifetime, and provide them with a professional Certificate of Authenticity with professional research and photographs of the item.
Read on to see the pictures and the descriptions of the different coins I displayed in the video above.
Brutus Julius Caesar Roman Assassin 44BC Ancient Greek Koson GOLD Coin i53480
Marcus Junius Brutus, Assassin of Julius Caesar
Gold Propaganda Coin with Obverse of his silver Coin from 54 B.C.
with his famous ancestor L. Brutus
Struck under:
Dynast of Thrace: Koson
Gold Stater 20mm (8.40 grams) Struck After 44 B.C.
Reference: RPC 1701; BMC Thrace pg. 208, 2; BMCRR II pg. 474, 48. Superb EF.
KOΣΩΝ, Roman consul accompanied by two lictors; BR monogram to left
Eagle standing left on sceptre, holding wreath.
Kingdom of Bosporus
Rheskuporis II – King, circa 211-227 A.D.
Rheskuporis II & Caracalla
Electrum Stater 18mm (7.39 grams) Struck year 513 of Pontic Era (starting October, 297 B.C.), 216/217 A.D.
Reference: Anohin 633g; MacDonald 556/5; Sear GIC 5482 var.
ΒΑCΙΛЄѠC ΡΗCΚΟΠΟΡIΔΟC, His diademed and draped bust right.
Laureate and draped bust of Roman emperor Caracalla right; date ΓΙΦ below; star in field to right.
VALENTINIAN I 364AD Authentic Ancient Gold Solidus Roman Coin CHI-RHO i52152
Valentinian I – Roman Emperor: 364-375 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.34 grams) Antioch mint: 364-367 A.D.
Reference: RIC IX 2a
DN. VALENTINIANVS P. F. AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valentinian standing facing, head right, holding labarum with Chi-Rho banner and crowning Victory on globe, ANTI☼ in exergue.
ARCADIUS 397AD Constantinople AV Gold Solidus Ancient Roman Gold Coin i52891
Arcadius – Roman Emperor: 383-408 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.51 grams) Constantinople mint, circa 397-402 A.D.
Reference: RIC 7
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, raped and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield.
CONCORDIA AVG G S, Helmeted Constantinopolis enthroned facing, head turned right, holding scepter and Victory on globe placing wrewath atop head, right foot atop prow, CONOB in exergue.
VALENTINIAN III 430AD Quality Authentic Ancient Roman Solidus GOLD Coin i53482
Valentinian III – Roman Emperor: 425-455 A.D.
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.49 grams) Ravenna mint. Struck circa AD 430-445
Reference: RIC X 2018-9; Ranieri 96 and 98; Lacam 11; Depeyrot 17/1; DOCLR 841-3; Biaggi 2349
Pedigree: Triton XIX 680; Triton XVII 817
D N P L VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORI A AVGGG, Valentinian standing facing, with left foot set upon serpentine human head, holding long cross in right hand, Victory on globe in left; R–V//COMOB.
ANASTASIUS I 491AD Authentic Ancient Medieval Byzantine Solidus GOLD Coin i53476
Byzantine Empire
Anastasius I – Emperor: April 11, 491 A.D. – July 1, 518 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.48 grams) Constantinople mint, 8th officina
Reference: Sear 5; DOC 7h
D N ANASTA-SIVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Anastasius facing, head slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and, on left arm, shield decorated with motif of horseman spearing soldier. VICTORI-A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long staff topped by reverted staurogram; star to left; H//CONOB.
JUSTINIAN I 538AD Gold Solidus Ancient Byzantine Coin Constantinople i52896
Byzantine Empire
Justinian I ‘The Great’ – Emperor: 1 August 527 – 14 November 565 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.41 grams) Constantinople mint, 538-542 A.D.
Reference: Sear 139
D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif.
VICTORIA AVCCC IB / CONOB, Victory standing facing, holding globus cruciger and long staff surmounted by staurogram; star to right.
TIBERIUS II CONSTANTINE 578AD Quality Ancient Byzantine GOLD Coin CROSS i53481
Byzantine Empire
Tiberius II Constantine – Emperor: 26 September 578 – 14 August 582 A.D.
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.41 grams) Constantinople mint
Reference: Sear 422
δ M TIЬ CONSTANT P P AVG, Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
VICTORIA AVGG B / CONOB, Cross potent set upon four steps.
PHOCAS 602AD Gold Tremissis Constantinople Ancient Byzantine CROSS Coin i52897
Byzantine Empire
Phocas – Emperor: November 23, 602 – October 5, 610 A.D. –
Gold Tremissis 18mm (1.40 grams) Constantinople mint, 602-610 A.D.
Reference: Sear 633. DO 18. MIB 26
∂N FOCAS PЄRP AVς, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas right, beardless.
VICTORI FOCAS AVC, cross potent, CONOB below.
CONSTANS II 641AD Gold Tremissis Constantinople Byzantine CROSS Coin i52903
Byzantine Empire
Constans II – Emperor: September 641-15 July 668 A.D.
Gold Tremissis 17mm (1.44 grams) Constantinople mint
Reference: Sear 984.
d N CONSTANTINЧS T P P AV, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA AVςЧI / CONOB, Cross potent.
CONSTANTINE VII & ROMANUS II 945AD Gold Jesus Christ Bible Byzantine Coin i52898
Byzantine Empire
Constantine VII, Porphyrogenitus – Emperor: June 6, 913 – November 9, 959 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.37 grams) Constantinople mint, 950-955 A.D.
Reference: DOC 15. Sear 1751
+IhS XPS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧM, Facing bust of Christ Pantocrator, wearing tunic, himation and a cross nimbus with three pellets in the arms, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left.
CONSTANT’ CЄ ROMAh’ AЧςς bR’, Crowned facing busts of Constantine VII, bearded and wearing loros on the left, and Romanus II, beardless and wearing chlamys on the right; both holding, between them with their right hands, a long patriarchal cross.
Constantine X 1059AD JESUS CHRIST w BIBLE Byzantine Nomisma Gold Coin i52900
Byzantine Empire
Constantine X – Emperor: December 25, 1059 – May 21, 1067 A.D. –
Scyphate Gold Histamenon Nomisma 27mm (3.80 grams) Constantinople mint
Reference: Sear 1847
+ IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTIhM, Christ Pantocrator seated facing on square-backed throne, wearing cruciform nimbus and holding Gospels cradled in left arm.
+ KWN RAC -Λ O ΔOVKAC, Constantine standing facing, wearing crown, saccos, and loros, holding labarum in right hand and globus cruciger in left.
MICHAEL VII Ducas 1071AD Gold Nomisma Jesus Christ Ancient Byzantine Coin i53477
Byzantine Empire
Michael VII, Ducas – Emperor: October 24, 1071 A.D. – March 24, 1078 A.D. –
Gold Scyphate Histamenon Nomisma 28mm (4.48 grams) Constantinople mint, circa 491-518 A.D.
Reference: Sear 1868 Provenance: NY Sale 2016, 958
Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; to left, IC; to right, XC; double border.
+ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, Bust facing, bearded, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and globe cross; double border.
John III Empire of Nicaea 1232AD Jesus Christ Mary Gold Byzantine Coin i52904
Byzantine Empire – Empire of Nicaea
John III Ducas-Vatatzes – Emperor of Empire of Nicaea: 15 December 1222 – 3 November 1254 A.D.
Gold Hyperpyron 29mm (4.27 grams) Magnesia mint, struck 1232-1254 A.D.
Reference: Sear 2073
Christ Pantokrator seated facing on throne, IC – XC in fields above.
John standing facing, holding labarum and akakia, being crowned by the Virgin Mary standing slightly left.
MICHAEL VIII Palaeologus 1261AD Gold Hyperpyron Gold Byzantine Coin NICE i52892
Byzantine Empire
Michael VIII, Palaeologus – Emperor: August 15, 1261 A.D. – December 11, 1282 A.D. –
Emperor of Nicaea: 1258-1261 A.D.
Gold Hyperpyron 26mm (4.21 grams)
Reference: Sear 2243
Bust of Virgin orans “Theotokos” within city walls of Constantinople with six groups of towers, rising over the walls.
Michael left, kneeling before seated Christ who holds scroll, supported by St. Michael.This type was struck in commemoration of the capture of the city of Constantinople from the Latins.
ANDRONICUS II and III Palaeologus Gold Hyperpyron 1325AD Byzantine Coin i52893
Byzantine Empire
Andronicus II and III, Palaeologus – 1325-1334 A.D. –
Gold Hyperpyron 25mm (3.49 grams) Constantinople mint
Reference: Sear 2461
Half-length figure of the Virgin Mary, orans, within circuit of city walls with four towers, pellet to left of upper tower; (lis) – A flanking Virgin.
ANΔΡωNIK – ANΔΡωNE, Christ, nimbate and wearing pallium and colobium, standing facing, crowning Andronicus II (on left) and Andronicus III kneeling to either side, each wearing divitision and loros.
KIDARITE HUNS India Nomadic 5thCenAD Gold Stater Authentic Ancient Coin i44954
KIDARITE HUNS
Sri Vinayaditya
circa late 5th Century A.D.
Base Gold Stater 24mm (7.16 grams)
Reference: Gobl MDK 1613; MAC 3656-3660
Pedigree: Ex-Warden Numismatics, LLC with original tag
Highly stylized king standing left holding trident and sacrificing at latar.
“Sri Vinaya” in right field, Ditya in left field.
1114AD INDIA Gahadavalas Govindachandra GOLD STATER Medieval Ancient Coin i46288
India, Gahadavalas
Govindachandra and successors, 1114-1193 A.D.
Pale Gold Stater 20mm (3.95 grams)
Reference: M.494
Four-armed Lakshmi seated cross-legged on lotus on obverse side holding a lotus in the upper two hands. Inscription in Nagari script :’Shrimad-Govindachandra’.
Ancient Roman GOLD THANATOS with Torch Application 1st-2ndCenAD Artifact i53384
Ancient Roman Gold Application, circa 50-200 A.D.
Measures 2.2 x 1.0 centimeters Weighs 1.30 Grams
Thanatos leaning left on upside down torch.Rare authentic ancient Roman artifact.
Ancient Roman GOLD EARRINGS 1st-4thCenAD Artifact Jewelry Artifact RARE i47785
Roman Gold Earrings
circa 1st-4th Century A.D.
Total weight 4.10 grams
Diameter, circa 2.1 cm eachBeautiful piece of jewelry from ancient times.
Ancient Roman 50AD Cupid Kantharos GOLD Plated Silver Jewelry Artifact i54010
Roman Silver Gold Plated Application Turned into Jewelry Artifact with Cupids
Circa 50-150 A.D.
1.5 x 0.9 centimeters (2.37 grams)Two cupids stand on top of two children, lifting up a a giant kantharos (wine mixing vessel). It is apparent that this was worn in ancient times as a piece of Jewelry. It is interesting because it brings up imagery of Cupid, the son of Venus and the wine drinking symbolism of Bacchus, the Roman equivalent of Dionysus.
1809 France Emperor NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Quality Antique French Gold Coin i53479
France
Napoleon Bonaparte – Emperor of France:
18 May 1804 – 11 April 1814 and 20 March 1815 – 22 June 1815
1809 A Gold 20 Francs 22mm (6.42 grams) Paris Mint
0.900 Gold, approximately 0.1867 troy ounce pure gold
Reference: KM 695.1
NAPOLEON EMPEREUR., Laureate head of Napoleon Bonaparte right.
EMPIRE FRANҪAIS. 1809. A around 20 FRANCS within wreath; rooster in field to left.
Edge: (Star) DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE
Brutus – Julius Caesar Roman Assassin 44BC Ancient Greek GOLD Coin NGC MS i53506
NGC Ancients Certified MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Marcus Junius Brutus, Assassin of Julius Caesar
Gold Propaganda Coin with Obverse of his silver Coin from 54 B.C.
with his famous ancestor L. Brutus
Struck under:
Dynast of Thrace: Koson
Gold Stater 20mm (8.36 Grams) Struck After 44 B.C.
Reference: RPC 1701; BMC Thrace pg. 208, 2; BMCRR II pg. 474, 48. Superb EF.
KOΣΩΝ, Roman consul accompanied by two lictors; BR monogram to left
Eagle standing left on sceptre, holding wreath.
VALENS 364AD Gold Solidus Authentic Ancient Roman Coin NGC Certified XF i54527
Valens – Roman Emperor: 364-378 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (3.87 grams) Antioch mint, 5th officina, struck 364-367 A.D.
Reference: RIC 2d; Depeyrot 20/2
Certification: NGC Ancients XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5 4245994-011
D N VALENS PER F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valens right.
RESTITVTOR REI PVPLICAE Exe: ☼ANTЄ☼, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum with Christogram and Victory on globe; cross in field to left.
HONORIUS 393AD Sirmium Mint Ancient GOLD Solidus NGC Certified Roman Coin i54528
Honorius – Roman Emperor: 393-423 A.D.
Gold Solidus 20mm Sirmium mint. Struck 393-395 A.D.
Reference: RIC IX 14d.5; cf. Depeyrot 34/3 (dated 402-408 AD) Rare mint
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch VF 3734326-040
DN HONORIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA AVGGG Z, Honorius standing right, holding standard and Victory on globe, spurning captive; S-M/COMOB in exergue.
THEODOSIUS II 424AD Thessalonica GOLD Soldius NGC Certified MS Roman Coin i54530
Theodosius II – Roman Emperor: 408-450 A.D.
Gold Solidus 24mm (4.22 grams) Thessalonica mint, struck 424-430 A.D.
Reference: RIC X, 365. Depeyrot 51/1. Rare
Certification: NGC Ancients MS (Mint State) Strike: 4/5 Surface: 2/5 4245994-007
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust of Theodosius facing, head slightly right, holding spear over left shoulder and shield with horseman motif on right arm.
GLOR ORVI-S TERRAR, Theodosius standing facing, holding labarum in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left; in field to left, star, TESOB in exergue.
THEODOSIUS II 430AD Gold Soldius Ancient Roman Coin NGC Certified XF i53831
Theodosius II – Roman Emperor: 408-450 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.41 grams) Constantinople mint, 10th officina, circa 430-440 A.D.
Reference: RIC 257; Depeyrot 81/1
NGC Ancients Certified XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5
D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman.
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX, Constantinopolis enthroned left with shield behind, holding cross on globe and sceptre; foot on prow; star in right field; officina I; CONOB in exergue.
476AD Emperor ZENO Rare Ancient Roman GOLD Solidus Coin NGC Mint State MS i53390
Zeno – Roman Emperor: 474-475 & 476-491 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.47 grams) Struck in Constantinople, 6th officina, second reign, 476-491 A.D.
NGC Ancients MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5
Reference: RIC 929
D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed facing bust to front, head slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield on left arm.
VICTORI-A AVGGG S, Victory standing left, holding long voided cross decorated with jewels, star in right field, CONOB in exergue.
ANASTASIUS 491AD Ancient Byzantine GOLD Solidus Coin NGC Certified AU i54532
Byzantine Empire
Anastasius I – Emperor: April 11, 491 A.D. – July 1, 518 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.47 grams) Constantinople mint, 10th officina
Reference: Sear 3; DOC 3i
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch AU Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5 3673999-020
D N ANASTA-SIVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Anastasius facing, head slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and, on left arm, shield decorated with motif of horseman spearing soldier.
VICTORI-A AVGGG I, Victory standing left, holding long voided cross decorated with jewels, star to right, CONOB in exergue.
MAURICE TIBERIUS 583AD Constantiple GOLD Byzantine Coin NGC Certified MS i54534
Byzantine Empire
Maurice Tiberius – Emperor: August 13, 582-November 22, 602 A.D.
Gold Solidus 21mm Constantinople mint, 9th officina, struck circa 583-602 A.D.
Reference: Sear 478. DOC 5i
Certification: NGC Ancients MS 4246224-008
∂N MAVRC TIb P P AVI, pearl-diademed, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maurice facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand.
VICTORI-A AVCCC, Angel standing facing, holding long staff terminating in staurogram and globus cruciger; Θ//CONOB.
PHOCAS 607AD NGC Certified AU Ancient Byzantine GOLD Solidus Coin w ANGEL i54737
Byzantine Empire
Phocas – Emperor: November 23, 602 – October 5, 610 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 21mm (4.47 grams) Constantinople mint, struck circa 607-610 A.D.
Reference: DOC 10g; MIB 9; SB 620
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5 4277578-002
Pedigree: From The Alexander White III Collection
d N FOCAS PЄRP AVI, crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger. VICTORIA AVGu, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a staurogram, and globus cruciger, Z//CONOB in exergue.
PHOCAS 607AD NGC Certified AU Ancient Byzantine GOLD Solidus Coin w ANGEL i54738
Byzantine Empire
Phocas – Emperor: November 23, 602 – October 5, 610 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.35 grams) Constantinople mint, struck circa 603-607 A.D.
Reference: DOC 5h; MIBE 7; SB 618
Certification: NGC Ancients Ch AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 4277578-001
Pedigree: From The Alexander White III Collection
O N FOCAE PЄRP AVG, crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger. VICTORIA AVGG, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a staurogram, and globus cruciger, H//CONOB in exergue.
CONSTANS II Pagonatos 646AD Gold Solidus Byzantine NGC Certified MS Coin i54535
Byzantine Empire
Constans II, Pagonatos – Emperor: September 641-15 July 668 A.D.
Gold Solidus 19mm (4.47 grams) Constantinople, 8th officina, dated IY 5 (646/7 A.D.)
Reference: Sear 942. DOC 5d. Rare!
Certification: NGC Ancients MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 4247225-004
d N CONSTAN-TINЧS PP AV, crowned and draped bust facing, holding globus cruciger.
VICTORIA AVGЧ, cross potent sent on three steps; Є (date) in right field; H//CONOB.
LEO III & CONSTANTINE V Syracuse Gold Byzantine Coin NGC Certified MS i54536
Byzantine Empire
Leo III the Isaurian – Byzantine Emperor: March 25, 717 – June 18, 741 A.D.
with Constantine V, Copronymus – Byzantine Emperor: June 18, 741 – September 14, 775 A.D.
Gold Tremissis 13mm (1.16 grams) Syracuse mint, struck circa 735-741 A.D.
Reference: Sear 1528A; DOC 51 VERY RARE!
Certification: NGC Ancients MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 3815732-013
∂ LЄON P A MЧ, crowned facing bust of Leo, wearing chlamys pinned at right shoulder, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left.
∂ N CONST-ANTIN, crowned facing bust of Constantine, beardless, wearing chlamys pinned at right shoulder, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left, + in right field.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
Hello my friends, my name is Ilya Zlobin and I have been working with world and ancient coins for over 15 years now. I run an eBay store http://www.ebaystores.com/Authentic-Ancient-Greek-Roman-Coins/ with over 18,000 items. I am technically a collector until someone buys the item I am selling, so I am writing this article to take a beginner or even advanced collector to an even higher level. This arrticle and video explains how one would keep track of such a record number of items, stay organized and be able to display these comfortably and professionally while having fun. I believe that presentation is important and keeping organized gets other people interesting in collecting also. This is especially important information for those deciding to start a collection that will be an heirloom for countless generations. I hope that you can appreciate this article, as this is the entire time period condensed into an easy-to-follow guide. My intention is to benefit you and help you help yourself build an even more amazing coin collection that you can enjoy even more with a few simple techniques and tools.
Shop with Reputable Coin Dealers
Shop with a reputable ancient Greek and Roman and world coin dealer. It is best if he/she has a great track record and provide a guarantee of authenticity. Also a beautiful certificate is also an added bonus (can be considered a $25-$50 value) absolutely free when you shop with Ilya Zlobin. A reputable seller would be happy to give a refund or exchange should professional coin grading companies or people such as David R. Sear or NGC find a coin is other than described.
Keep Records
When you buy coins, get the certificates of authenticity keep them in a standard vinyl binder in sheet protectors which you can get an any place they sell office supplies. You can also print out a receipt of the PayPal payment you sent and possibly the contact details of the seller you bought from. I have had personal experience when I purchased a coin from another dealer and since I did not keep the receipt at the time, it left a sour taste in both of our mouths when I had to return the coin, I knowing that I bought it from them and having no proof. So this would facilitate an easy return and refund as you kept a record of the item. This way you can buy from many different dealers, and also remember how much the item cost, should you want to sell it in the future, plus you have the description right there, should you want to place it on eBay or another venue. Another helpful technique is to write a little item number of the coin and write it on the little slip of paper that coin in the coin flip and having a list where you write the number where you kept it. Think also about this, a lot of collectors don’t keep records and if they pass on and nobody in the family ever got involved with the coins, nobody knows how much they paid, so they may not got the price the original collector paid. Something worthwhile to think about. Keeping score is very important.
Keep Your Coin Collection Organized
I recommend keeping your coins in boxes that are of standard size a 2X2 inch standard. The coins themselves I recommend in non-plasticized coin flips, I recommend getting the package with the little papers so that if anything you can write info on those, such as how much you paid or corresponding to your record keeping system. If you want to display your coins, you can put them on a tray and enjoy their beauty. So below are the coin flips, trays and boxes I use everyday for storage and display of my coins:
The Supplies and Links Where to Buy Them
I am sharing everything I know about the supplies, years of experience condensed to a simple guide. Hopefully you can appreciate the tips, many of which even the most advanced collectors and even coin dealers can benefit from.
The Best Coin Collector Magnifier Portable Magnifying Glass
This coin magnifier most people enjoy because it gives you just the right amount magnification to see the coin and easily closes up and folds into your pocket. It’s called the Bausch & Lomb 5X Packette Magnifier Magnifying Glass.
I use both types of coin flips below, with the second one being preferable for silver. Perhaps if you get either one, get the second one. But I am giving you both to chose from.
Display Trays – FOR COIN SHOWS OR EASY DISPLAY AND STORAGE:
Organize and display your coins with our felt coin display trays, designed to be used with our Aluminum coin display case (above) or as a stand alone item. Measures 16 1/8″ x 10½”
Our display trays are available for storing cardboard coin holders in 1½” x 1½” and 2″ x 2″ sizes and for slab coin holders in either a horizontal or vertical arrangement; or a full flat tray to use any way you like!
The reason being, is that if it’s a plastic one, it has notches, but some ancient coins are thicker than others, so when you have coins of varying thickness, you may want to just put them in these cardboard boxes as it is more flexible for your collection. Don’t let the word cardboard fool you, as these are super high quality and feel good in hand.
ALSO these are good for oversized medals or 2.5 x 2.5 coin flips.
Additional Tip: If you like to put the slab in a bag before putting it in the box, you may want to get the https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZS63A/ Plymor 3″ x 4″, 4 Mil (Case of 1000) Heavy Duty Plastic Reclosable Zipper Bags . This is the exact size for those slabs.
WHAT I USE TO DO COIN SHOWS (and Could Be Used for Private Viewing Pleasure):
The benefit of the carrying case and trays is that you can lay your coins out for display at a coin show or for your own private viewing pleasure. You can have them in the individual notches with or without the plastic coin flip so that you can have them easily organized and viewable. The older generations of coin collectors would have wood versions of these and would describe them as coin cabinets. I think these are really great and made in Europe, possibly Germany, the clear plastic shroud is removable and can be placed on the table at a coin show very easily, and removed to view coins easily too. The trays stack very well atop each other.
The benefit of these is that you can get these without the case and they easily stack up.
Advanced tip, I have the trays organized in numerical order as I have 20 and put a removable sticker https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007M5L2/, the Avery Removable Rectangular Labels, 0.31 x 0.5 Inches, White, Pack of 1100 (5412), with the tray number so that after the coin show I can easily put these away. Additional tip is that you can use these removable stickers to attach additional information about the price for example about a coin which you may want to remove later, useful for slabbed coins.
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.
The Seafaring Vessels of Ancient Times used for Trade War and Recreation
As you sit and marvel at the piece of history in your hand, you can almost place yourself inside the seafaring vessel and feel the feelings and almost see the sights the ancients went through. The ancient Greek and Roman empires and kingdoms were well inter-connected via the sea route and would have major trade going on between them. An example is that ancient Egypt was a major source of grain supply for the people of ancient Rome. They used ships and galleys to go between each place to spread culture, ideas, goods and even domination. The ancient Romans got major influences from the Greeks which they adapted via the trade and conquests they achieved hundreds of years BC. This article is meant to be as a survey of the types of ancient coins that depicted ships on them.
What is interesting is that there was a major turning point in Western history that had to do with a ship battle that emperor Augustus’ general Agrippa fought against Mark Antony, whom was commanding the fleet of the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra. This battle in 31 B.C. Actium was the turning point which left the power of the Roman Empire in the hands of one man alone, Augustus. It is interesting to note for example, that the only biological son that Julius Caesar had was growing up under the care of Cleopatra, and if orders were not sent to eliminate him, there would be a rival to the power Augustus had.
It is interesting to also note that ships were depicted on coins of many Greek cities, such as Sidon, Askalon and on coins of King Demetrios Poliorcetes of Macedon, and so much more. The study of ships all on its own could occupy many volumes. The topic had been the focal point of many ancient coin collections.
Just some of the Interesting Coins Depicting Ships on Ancient Coins
Mark Antony – Silver Denarius Struck at Actium 32-31 B.C. for Marc Antony’s III Legion
ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley right.
LEG III , Legionary eagle between two standards.
This famous coin was struck for the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.
where Mark Antony’s ships came head to head with the forces of Augustus’ general, Agrippa. Greek city of Histiaia in Euboia Silver Tetrobol 15mm (1.43 grams) Struck circa 300-200 B.C.
Reference: Sear 2496; B.M.C. 8. 47-8
Head of nymph Histiaia right, wreathed with vine, hair rolled.
ISTIAIEΩN, nymph Histiaia right on stern of galley, ornamented with wing, holding naval standard.
This type, commemorated the expulsion, with Athenian help of the pro-Macedonian tyrant Philistides in 340 B.C.
Constans – Roman Emperor: 337-350 A.D. – Bronze AE3 18mm (2.96 grams) Thessalonica mint: 348-351 A.D.
Reference: RIC 109 (VIII, Thessalonica)
DN CONSTANS PF AVG – Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
FEL TEMP REPARATIO Exe: TESΔ – Constans standing left on galley, holding Phoenix on globe
and labarum tipped with the Chi-Rho (MONOGRAM of CHRIST); Victory seated to right, steering. Greek Ruler of
Macedonian Kingdom
King Demetrius I Poliorcetes – 294-288 B.C.
Bronze 15mm (3.95 grams) Struck 294-288 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6775; Newell 20
Head of Demetrius right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet ornamented with bull’s horn.
Prow of galley right; BA above, monogram beneath. Constantine I ‘The Great’- Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. – Founding of New Roman Capital Constantinople Commemorative
Bronze AE3 17mm Siscia mint circa 330-333 A.D.
Reference: RIC 224 (VII, Siscia)
CONSTANTINOPOLIS – Constantinopolis helmeted, laureate bust left, holding scepter over shoulder.
No Legend Exe: .BSIS. – Victory standing left, stepping on galley prow, cradling scepter
and resting hand on shield.By circa 330 A.D., Constantine the Great completed his new capital for the Roman empire called Constantinople. For this momentous occasion, he issued two commemorative coin types, one celebrating Rome and the other Constantinople. The type that commemorated Rome had the personification of Rome, Roma with the inscription VRBS ROMA and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus on the reverse suckling the she-wolf. The type that commemorated Constantinople had the personification of Constantinople on the obverse and Victory on a galley sailing with a shield. This was a great way for Constantine the Great to pay homage to both Rome and Constantinople.
Hadrian – Roman Emperor: 117-138 A.D. – Bronze As 26mm (9.54 grams) Rome mint: 125-128 A.D.
Reference: RIC 673, Cohen 446 var., BMC 1342; Strack 619
Pedigree: Ex Gorny & Mosch
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right.
COS III, galley with rowers & pilot right, SC below.
Reverse refers to Hadrian’s travels around the empire on his first great tour.
For almost 500 years (510-27 B.C.), Rome was a Republic and not a dictatorship as it turned into after Julius Caesar and the civil wars that followed. Over it’s evolution, Rome had many different coin types issued. This guide is to the silver coins of the Romans from the time of the Republic. Watch the video above for a great explanation on the topic and how to start collecting, along with examples of types available. All of the coins from the Roman Republic have a reference to a standard book on the subject, Roman Silver Coins Volume 1 by David R. Sear which is a must for any ancient coin library that is interested in the topic. Quite frankly it is the only book on you really need on the silver coins of the Roman republic, along with those of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Lepidus and even Augustus. The author, David R. Sear, adopted the standard that Ernest Babelon arranged them in 1885 for the quickest reference purposes.
This area of collecting is one of my personal favorites. There are many important coins dealing with historical events, great generals, important personages, the gods, the goddesses, festivals, architectural works, stories and so much more. However, just like with any topic, it is good to have a guide that will help you learn that it is more simple than you even thought to pursue the collecting of these types. The video you can watch , shows you many types and gets you familiarized with the subject. The list below, allows you to quickly search my store and learn more about the various types of coins according to what I have available at this time.
This part of the guide is designed to give you an easy way to search my eBay store with advanced search parameters, which search for the specific moneyer names below with the description that are in line with the book: Roman Silver Coins Volume 1 by David R. Sear. As you click each, you will be able to see any examples of that specific moneyer I have available. The goal of this list is to make it easy and fun to explore, learn and even put together a very comprehensive collection of ancient Roman Republican coins.
You can also do a search yourself in my store for by checking off the box that says “in titles & descriptions” and then typing in specifically in quotes “”, the parameter like this: “reference: moneyernamehere”. This way if you are already proficient in the types and are looking for specific examples, you can find them yourself also without having to refer to this guide.
Download this article by right-clicking here and selecting save as
This coin magnifier most people enjoy because it gives you just the right amount magnification to see the coin and easily closes up and folds into your pocket. It’s called the Bausch & Lomb 5X Packette Magnifier Magnifying Glass.
Download this article by right-clicking here and selecting save as
