What is the history of Ancient Greek coinage?

The history of ancient Greek coinage can be divided (along with most other Greek art forms) into four periods: the Archaic, the Classical, the Hellenistic and the Roman. The Archaic period extends from the introduction of coinage to the Greek world during the 7th century BC until the Persian Wars in about 480 BC.

What is a classical Greek coin?

Classical Greek city-states issued elegant coin types favoring certain symbols, gods, and heroes. These are 15 of the most distinctive ancient Greek coins of the Classical period. It is not an exaggeration that ancient art reached a high point in Classical Greece.

What were Ancient Greek coins made of?

The first coins were made of electrum (a mix of gold and silver) and quickly spread throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. By the beginning of the Classical period in Greece, every major city had its own elaborate coin types. Ancient Greek coins of that point were mainly issued in silver and bronze.