What were greek coins made of ?

Dive into the world of ancient Greek coins, discover what they were made of, and the symbols they bore. Ancient Greek coins are a fascinating blend of art, history, and minting technology. Their composition and the symbols they bear tell the story of city-states and their beliefs.

Composition of coins

The earliest Greek coins were made of electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, precious and abundant in certain regions of Greece. Over time, Greeks began to strike coins in pure gold, pure silver, as well as in copper and bronze alloys. This evolution reflects the technological and economic progress of Greek city-states at the time.

An electrum coin struck in Ionia (650-600 BC)

Symbolism of coins

Greek coins often bore images of gods and mythological heroes, animals, and elements related to the issuing city. For example, Athenian coins proudly displayed the owl of Athena, while those from Corinth featured Pegasus, the winged horse. These symbols were laden with meaning and served both as visual identifiers for different city-states and as means to propagate their values and culture.

An Athenian silver tetradrachm depicting the owl (454-414 BC)

Influence and circulation of Greek coins

The Greek world was divided into more than two thousand self-governing city-states and more than half of them issued their own coins. Some coins circulated widely beyond their polis, indicating that they were being used in inter-city trade

So Greek coins were not only used within city-states but also circulated throughout the Mediterranean world. This shows the importance of trade and the cultural influence of ancient Greece. The minting techniques and designs of Greek coins had a significant impact on the currencies of other civilizations of the time.

Ancient Greek coins offer us a unique insight into the world of antiquity. They tell us stories of beliefs, economic power, and technological progress. More than just a means of exchange, they are windows into a distant and fascinating past.