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 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.
Are ancient Greek coins worth anything?
Today ancient Greek coins are also numismatic coins. This means that they are worth more than the value of their precious metal and are therefore valuable collectibles. Their added value is mainly a result of their ancient history and rarity. In this article, we will explore 15 distinctive ancient Greek coins of the Classical period.
