Greek Coins

Greek Coins: A Complete Guide to Ancient Greek Coinage

Welcome to our in-depth guide to ancient Greek coins, one of the most captivating numismatic categories in history. From Athens to Syracuse, the Greek world produced coins of extraordinary beauty, historical value, and artistic influence that continue to inspire collectors and historians alike.

Introduction to Greek Coinage
Materials and Minting Techniques
Iconography and Symbolism
Major City-States and Their Coinage
Why Collect Greek Coins?
Greek Coins by City-State (with links)
Explore More

Introduction to Greek Coinage

Greek coins emerged in the 6th century BCE and rapidly evolved into a powerful means of communication and state identity. Each city-state (polis) minted its own coins, reflecting its culture, mythology, and political status.

Materials and Minting Techniques

Greek coins were typically struck in:

Silver (most common, especially drachms and tetradrachms)
Gold (rarer, often for large state payments or temple offerings)
Bronze (used for small change in local markets)

The minting process involved skilled engravers who produced dies used to strike coins with intricate detail — often rivaling modern engraving.

Iconography and Symbolism

Greek coin imagery was far more than decorative — it was political, religious, and cultural propaganda. Typical symbols included:

Gods and Goddesses (e.g., Athena, Zeus, Apollo)
Mythical Creatures (e.g., Pegasus, Gorgon, Chimera)
Civic Symbols (e.g., owls, dolphins, shields, amphorae)

These symbols were unique to each city-state and tell us a great deal about their identity and beliefs.

Major City-States and Their Coinage

Below are the most famous city-states known for their coinage. Each includes a brief summary and a link to its full article.

Athens Coins – View Full Page »

Athens, the heart of classical Greece, produced the iconic silver tetradrachms featuring the helmeted Athena and the owl of wisdom. These coins became a de facto international currency in the ancient world.

Corinthian Coins – View Full Page »

Corinth was a major maritime power, and its coins often depicted Pegasus, the winged horse, alongside Athena. These coins traveled far across the Mediterranean.

Syracuse Coins – View Full Page »

One of the greatest Greek cities in Sicily, Syracuse is famous for its large silver decadrachms, depicting the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins — masterpieces of ancient engraving.

Rhodes Coins – View Full Page »

Rhodes coins are instantly recognizable with the sun god Helios on the obverse and a radiant sunburst or rose on the reverse, symbolizing their island name and divine patron.

Delphi Coins – View Full Page »

As the site of the Oracle of Apollo, Delphi issued sacred coins that often featured Apollo himself and were used in religious festivals and offerings.

Thebes Coins – View Full Page »

Thebes issued coins featuring Heracles and club or bow symbols, tying their origin myth to the greatest of Greek heroes.

Spartan (Lacedaemon) Coins – View Full Page »

Rare but historically significant, Spartan coins were issued mostly in later periods and were marked by their austerity and military imagery.

Aegina Coins – View Full Page »

Aegina was one of the earliest issuers of Greek coinage. Their famous sea turtle coins were widely accepted in trade throughout the Aegean.

Delos Coins – View Full Page »

Delos, a major religious and commercial center, produced coins bearing Apollo and Artemis, often associated with trade, festivals, and sanctuaries.

Why Collect Greek Coins?

Greek coins offer:

Artistic beauty
Historical insight
Rare investment opportunities
Cultural symbolism

Whether you’re drawn to mythology, military history, or classical art, there’s a Greek coin for you.

Greek Coins by City-State

Explore More

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the fascinating world of ancient coinage, explore our full collection of ancient coins » or browse our online store to view authentic Greek coins for sale.