Dyrrachium Coin Guide: Tracing the Silver Legacy of Ancient Illyria

9 May, 2025 Admin 0 Comments 1 category

Dyrrachium Coin Guide: Tracing the Silver Legacy of Ancient Illyria

If you’ve ever held an ancient coin and felt that jolt of curiosity — wondering where it traveled, who used it, or what stories it could tell — then the coins of Dyrrachium are worth a closer look. This coastal city, now modern-day Durrës in Albania, was once a major hub in the ancient world. And its coins? Some of the most fascinating pieces to come out of Illyria.

A City Built for Trade — and Coinage

Dyrrachium was founded by Greek colonists from Corinth way back in the 7th century BC. Thanks to its location along the Adriatic Sea, it quickly became a key player in regional trade. But what really interests collectors is what started happening a few centuries later — the city began producing its own coins. Lots of them.

By the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, Dyrrachium had one of the most active mints in the Balkans. Its silver drachms became a kind of local currency standard — not just in Illyria, but far beyond. They’ve been found in Italy, the Balkans, and even deeper inland. These weren’t just coins; they were the lifeblood of trade, diplomacy, and daily life.

🐄 The Cow and Calf: Dyrrachium’s Signature Coin

Ask any collector about Illyrian coins, and they’ll likely mention the silver drachm of Dyrrachium. It’s iconic — simple, yet full of meaning.

Obverse: A cow suckling a calf. Peaceful, almost pastoral. Likely a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
Reverse: Usually a starburst or a club (a nod to Heracles), framed in a wreath.
Legend: ΔΥΡ (short for Dyrrachium), often with extra marks or magistrate names.
Weight: About 3.2–3.5 grams.
Minting Period: Mainly 3rd to 2nd century BC.

It’s amazing how much you can learn from one coin type. The consistency of the design suggests these were widely trusted — like the ancient version of a stable currency.

The Little Details That Matter

What’s fun about collecting Dyrrachium drachms is how much variety you can find once you look closer. Sure, the design stays mostly the same — but small things change:

The Greek letters may vary in shape or spelling over time.
Some coins include symbols or official names, which can help narrow down the date.
The reverse design occasionally shifts — from stellate shapes to clubs or even combinations.

These little differences are what make collecting so addictive. You’re not just buying a coin — you’re decoding a piece of ancient history.

Dyrrachium vs. Apollonia: A Friendly Rivalry

Just down the coast, the city of Apollonia was minting coins that looked strikingly similar. In fact, scholars believe the two cities might have coordinated their designs and standards.

Dyrrachium: Cow and calf on the front; star or club on the back.
Apollonia: Also cow and calf on the front, but usually a tripod or thunderbolt on the reverse.

Coins from both cities were used across the region, almost interchangeably. For collectors, comparing the two is part of the fun.

Tips If You’re Thinking About Starting a Collection

Start with silver drachms — they’re the most available and easiest to recognize.
Look for good detail on the cow and calf. A sharp strike really brings the image to life.
Check the reverse for symbols or names. These small details help date the coin and sometimes boost its value.
Price Range: Expect to spend $100–$300 for a decent piece. Rarer varieties or unusually clean examples can go higher.

And as always: buy from trusted sources. Dyrrachium coins are popular — and where there’s demand, fakes tend to follow.

Why These Coins Still Matter

Holding a Dyrrachium drachm is like holding a tiny piece of a forgotten economy. It might’ve been used to buy grain, pay a sailor, or send an offering to a temple. It’s worn, maybe a little bent — but it’s real.

That’s the beauty of ancient coins. They’re not just artifacts — they’re time travelers.