Ultimate Collector's Guide

Top 100 Ancient Greek Silver Coins of All Time

A curated overview of the most influential, historically important, and artistically refined pieces produced across the Greek world

100
Master Coins
600+
Years Spanned
50+
City-States

The Pinnacle of Greek Numismatic Art

This comprehensive collection presents a curated overview of the most influential, historically important, and artistically refined pieces produced across the Greek world. From the earliest Archaic issues of Aegina and the Cycladic islands to the sophisticated Hellenistic portraits of Asia Minor, Macedonia, and the far-eastern Greek kingdoms, each coin reflects a defining moment in Greek history.

Together, these specimens illustrate the evolution of engraving techniques, the diversity of regional identities, and the powerful political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the ancient Mediterranean.

Whether valued for their rarity, craftsmanship, symbolism, or historical context, these coins represent the highest achievements of Greek numismatic art β€” a testament to the civilization that gave birth to democracy, philosophy, and Western aesthetics.

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Time Period

600 BC – 100 BC

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Average Weight

4g – 43g

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Artistic Styles

Archaic to Hellenistic

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Geographic Range

Spain to Afghanistan

Athenian Owl Tetradrachm

Athenian Owl Tetradrachm

The most iconic Greek coin ever minted, symbolizing Athenian power and democracy

454–404 BCE 16.8–17.4g Silver

The Complete Collection

Ranked by historical significance, artistic merit, and collector demand

1
Featured
Athenian Owl Tetradrachm
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Athenian Owl Tetradrachm

Classical Athens Tetradrachm
Date: c. 454–404 BCE
Weight: 16.8–17.4g
Metal: Silver
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena, almond-shaped eye, archaic smile on early issues
Reverse: Owl standing right, olive sprig + crescent moon
Legend: Ξ‘Ξ˜Ξ• β€” abbreviation of Ξ‘Ξ˜Ξ—ΞΞ‘Ξ™Ξ©Ξ, "Of the Athenians"

The most iconic Greek coin. Thick flan, bold strike, universal symbol of Classical Athens.

2
Featured
Alexander the Great Tetradrachm
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Alexander the Great Tetradrachm

Hellenistic Multiple mints Tetradrachm
Date: 336–323 BCE
Weight: 16.5–17.2g
Metal: Silver
Obverse: Heracles wearing lion-skin headdress
Reverse: Zeus seated on throne holding eagle & scepter
Legend: Ξ‘Ξ›Ξ•ΞžΞ‘ΞΞ”Ξ‘ΞŸΞ₯ β€” "Of Alexander"

The most widely circulated Greek silver coin in history.

3
Featured
Syracuse Dekadrachm
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Syracuse Dekadrachm

Classical Syracuse, Sicily Dekadrachm
Date: c. 405–390 BCE
Weight: 42–43g
Metal: Silver
Obverse: Head of Arethusa, surrounded by four dolphins
Reverse: Quadriga driven by Nike; extremely detailed
Legend: ΞšΞ™ΞœΞ©Ξ or Ξ•Ξ₯Ξ‘Ξ™ΞΞ•Ξ€ΞŸΞ₯ (artist signatures)

Considered the peak of ancient die engraving.

Chronological Evolution

The development of Greek coinage across six centuries

Archaic Period
600–480 BCE
Early issues, simple designs
Classical Period
480–323 BCE
Artistic peak, democracy
Hellenistic Period
323–100 BCE
Realism, empires, diversity
First Coins
600 BCE
Athenian Owls
454 BCE
Alexander
336 BCE
Syracuse Masterpieces
405 BCE
Roman Conquest
146 BCE

Collector's Value Guide

Understanding market values and investment potential

Entry Level

$20 – $200

Small bronzes, worn fractions, minor city-states

  • Macedonian shield coins
  • Greek colonial bronzes
  • Worn Alexander drachms

Collector Grade

$200 – $1,000

Fine silver drachms, better tetradrachms

  • Athenian owl tetradrachms (VG-F)
  • Alexander tetradrachms (F-VF)
  • Corinth staters (Fine)

Premium Tier

$1,000 – $10,000

High-grade specimens, rare types

  • VF-XF Athenian owls
  • Syracuse dekadrachms
  • Early Aegina turtles

Museum Quality

$10,000+

Masterpieces, finest known specimens

  • Signed Syracusan coins
  • Gold staters of kings
  • Artistic masterpieces

Collector Resources

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Reference Books

Essential literature for serious collectors

View Bibliography β†’
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Identification Guide

How to identify and authenticate Greek coins

Learn Identification β†’
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Preservation Guide

Proper storage and handling techniques

Preservation Tips β†’
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Museum Collections

World museums with major Greek coin holdings

View Museums β†’

Start Your Greek Collection Today

Begin with authentic ancient Greek silver coins from our curated collection. Each coin comes with detailed historical documentation and authenticity guarantee.