Numismatic Masterclass

Hellenistic Kings & Their Coins

From Alexander's Death to Roman Conquest: The Complete Collector's Guide to Successor Kingdoms

Learn to identify, authenticate, and collect coins from the richest era in ancient numismatics - where royal propaganda met artistic genius.

42 Successor Kings
150+ Royal Mints
300 Years of History
7 Major Dynasties
323 BC Alexander Dies
305 BC Diadochi Become Kings
281 BC Seleucid Peak
168 BC Macedon Falls
31 BC Cleopatra VII Dies
200 BC

Instant Coin Identifier

Select what you see on your coin for immediate attribution guidance

Step 1: Metal & Size

Step 2: Greek Legend

Step 3: Main Symbol

Step 4: Portrait Style

Select options above to see attribution results

The Seven Great Dynasties

Master the royal families that shaped Hellenistic coinage

Egypt

Ptolemaic Kingdom

305–30 BC

Founder Ptolemy I Soter
Famous Ruler Cleopatra VII
Capital Alexandria

Signature Coins

👑
Portrait Tetradrachms

Realistic royal portraits with divine attributes

🦅
Eagle on Thunderbolt

Standard bronze type with eagle reverse

Collector Insights

  • Look for: Cornucopia, eagle, Zeus Ammon
  • Rare: Gold octadrachms, early portrait issues
  • Common: Late bronze with Cleopatra portrait
  • Beware: Egyptian-made modern forgeries
Asia

Seleucid Empire

312–63 BC

Founder Seleucus I Nicator
Famous Ruler Antiochus III
Capital Antioch

Signature Coins

🏹
Apollo Types

Apollo reverse with standing king portrait

⚓
Anchor Symbols

Dynastic symbol of Seleucus I

Collector Insights

  • Look for: Mint marks (over 30 mints)
  • Rare: Early Antiochus I portrait coins
  • Common: Late bronze with elephant reverse
  • Challenge: Many rulers named Antiochus

The Hellenistic Legend Decoder

Master the royal language of Greek coin legends

Enter Greek Legend

Tip: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ = "of the king"

Translation & Meaning

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ → "Of King Antiochus"
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ [Basileōs] = of the king
ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ [Antiochou] = Antiochus (genitive case)

Attribution Results

Dynasty: Seleucid
Possible Rulers: 13 different Antiochus kings
Date Range: 281–64 BC

Next Identification Steps

  1. Check portrait style (realistic vs idealized)
  2. Look for mint marks under throne
  3. Note any epithets (e.g., ΘΕΟΥ = "god")
  4. Measure weight and diameter

Common Royal Legends Quick Reference

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Alexander the Great (posthumous)
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Any Ptolemaic king
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Seleucus I or later Seleucids
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Lysimachus of Thrace

Royal Symbolism Decoded

Understanding the propaganda behind Hellenistic coin designs

🦅

Eagle

Universal Power Symbol

Zeus's bird representing divine sanction and imperial authority

Used by: Ptolemies, Seleucids, Antigonids
On thunderbolt (Ptolemy) With wreath (Seleucid) Standing left/right
🌾

Cornucopia

Abundance & Prosperity

Horn of plenty showing king as provider and benefactor

Used by: Ptolemies (especially queens)
Single (Arsinoe II) Double (Ptolemaic prosperity) With diadem ends

Authentication Laboratory

Learn to spot genuine Hellenistic coins vs modern fakes

GENUINE

Authentic Ptolemaic Tetradrachm

✓
Sharp Details

Hair strands and facial features are crisp

✓
Natural Wear

Even wear patterns consistent with circulation

✓
Correct Weight

14.2g ± 0.3g for Ptolemaic tetradrachm

FAKE

Modern Forgery (Common Type)

✗
Soft Details

Mushy features from casting process

✗
Wrong Patina

Chemical aging looks artificial

✗
Seam Lines

Visible casting seams on edge

Top 10 Red Flags for Hellenistic Fakes

1
Too Perfect Surfaces

Genuine ancient coins show natural wear

2
Wrong Weight

Compare with standard weights for type

Your Hellenistic Collecting Journey

From beginner to expert: A structured path to mastery

Level 1

Beginner Collector

$50–$500 budget

Recommended Goals:

  • One coin from each major dynasty
  • Learn to read ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ legends
  • Identify basic symbols
  • Buy from reputable dealers

Starter Coins:

Ptolemaic bronze $30–$100
Seleucid drachm $75–$200
Level 2

Intermediate Collector

$500–$5,000 budget

Recommended Goals:

  • Specialize in one dynasty
  • Learn mint marks & controls
  • Understand die varieties
  • Build thematic collection
Level 3

Advanced Collector

$5,000+ budget

Recommended Goals:

  • Collect rare portraits
  • Study die links
  • Contribute to research
  • Build museum-quality set

Test Your Hellenistic Knowledge

A coin shows ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ with an eagle on thunderbolt reverse. Which dynasty does it belong to?