Illyrian Coins: Complete Guide

Tribal power, Greek influence, and cultural identity in ancient Balkan coinage

4th–2nd Century BC Adriatic Balkans Tribal Kings
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WHAT ARE ILLYRIAN COINS?

The misunderstood coinage of ancient Adriatic Balkans

Definition & Historical Significance

Illyrian coins are the monetary issues produced by Illyrian tribes, kings, and cities in the western Balkans from approximately 4th century BC to 2nd century BC, spanning from the earliest tribal coinage through the Roman conquest that ended native Illyrian minting.

Geographic Scope

  • Modern Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia
  • Adriatic coastal regions and inland mountain territories
  • Key centers: Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Scodra, Lissus
  • Between Greek colonies and Macedonian kingdom

Why Misunderstood

  • Often confused with Greek colonial coinage
  • Illyrian language rarely appears on coins
  • Limited scholarly attention until recently
  • Few surviving examples in collections
  • Mix of tribal and Hellenistic characteristics

Why Illyrian Coins Are Rare & Important

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Limited Minting Period

Only 200-300 years of active coin production before Roman suppression

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Historical Documentation

Coins provide evidence for Illyrian kings and tribes barely mentioned in written sources

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Cultural Interaction

Show Illyrian adaptation of Greek coinage for tribal identity and prestige

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Political Statement

Coinage as assertion of sovereignty against Greek colonies and Macedonian power

The Collector's Challenge: Illyrian vs Greek Colonial

Illyrian coinage occupies a unique position between:

Pure Illyrian
  • Tribal kings (Monunius, Genthios)
  • Cruder style, irregular weights
  • Native symbols (shields, ships)
  • Limited legends or Greek names
  • Extremely rare
Greek Colonial
  • Cities (Dyrrhachium, Apollonia)
  • Refined Greek style, standard weights
  • Greek mythology (cow/calf, Artemis)
  • Full Greek legends
  • More common

Key Insight: Most "Illyrian" coins in collections are actually from Greek colonies in Illyria. True tribal Illyrian coins are museum-level rarities.

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ILLYRIAN TRIBES & TERRITORIES

The tribal landscape of ancient Illyria

The Illyrian Tribal Confederation

Illyria was never a unified kingdom but a collection of tribes with shared culture and language, often cooperating against external threats but also competing among themselves.

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Taulantii

Central Albania

Capital: Epidamnus/Dyrrhachium area

Period: 7th–3rd century BC

Coinage: Early adopters, influenced by Corinth

Known For: Powerful coastal tribe, frequent conflicts with Macedon

Collector Note: Some of earliest Illyrian coinage

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Ardiaei

Montenegro Coast

Capital: Rhizon (modern Risan)

Period: 3rd–2nd century BC

Coinage: Kings Monunius, Mytilos, Genthios

Known For: Piracy, naval power, last Illyrian kingdom

Collector Note: Royal coinage with Greek legends

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Dassaretii

Lake Ohrid Region

Territory: Around Lake Ohrid (Albania/N. Macedonia)

Period: 4th–2nd century BC

Coinage: Limited, influenced by Macedonia

Known For: Strategic location, Hellenization

Collector Note: Rare, often attributed to Macedonian types

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Labeatae

Lake Scutari

Capital: Scodra (modern Shkodër)

Period: 4th–2nd century BC

Coinage: Scodra mint, cow/calf types

Known For: Control of Scodra, resistance to Rome

Collector Note: City coinage more common than tribal

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Dardani

Kosovo/Serbia

Territory: Inland, Kosovo to southern Serbia

Period: 4th–2nd century BC

Coinage: Very rare, if any native coinage

Known For: Warrior society, frequent wars with Macedon

Collector Note: Possibly used Macedonian coins

Trade Routes & Greek Contact Zones

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Adriatic Sea Route

Coastal tribes controlled trade between Greece and Italy. Piracy and trade coexisted.

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Via Egnatia Connection

Later Roman road followed ancient Illyrian routes connecting Adriatic to Byzantium.

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Greek Colony Interface

Dyrrhachium and Apollonia served as cultural and economic interfaces.

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Macedonian Frontier

Eastern tribes interacted (and fought) with Macedonian kingdom, adopting some coin practices.

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ORIGINS OF ILLYRIAN COINAGE

Greek influence meets tribal tradition

Why Illyrians Adopted Coinage

Illyrian coinage didn't emerge from economic necessity but from political ambition and cultural interaction with Greek neighbors.

Primary Greek Influences

Corinthian Influence

Via: Colonies of Corcyra (Corfu)

Features: Pegasus symbols, incuse squares

Examples: Early Dyrrhachium coins

Timeline: 5th–4th century BC

Macedonian Influence

Via: Philip II and Alexander's expansion

Features: Herakles/Zeus types, royal portraits

Examples: Kings Monunius, Genthios

Timeline: 4th–3rd century BC

Colonial Greek

Via: Dyrrhachium, Apollonia

Features: Cow/calf, Artemis, standard weights

Examples: City coinage throughout Illyria

Timeline: 4th–2nd century BC

Coastal Cities vs Inland Tribes

Aspect Coastal Cities Inland Tribes
Coinage Purpose Trade, commerce, Greek-style economy Prestige, political statement, military payments
Style Quality Refined, professional Greek engravers Cruder, local workshops, mixed styles
Weight Standards Consistent (Corinthian, Attic standards) Irregular, often lighter
Legend Language Greek (ethnic, magistrate names) Greek names of kings, sometimes no legends
Survival Rate Relatively common in collections Extremely rare, museum pieces

Why Illyrians Struck Coins: Four Motivations

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Royal Prestige

Kings like Monunius and Genthios used coinage to assert equal status with Hellenistic monarchs

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Military Financing

Payment for soldiers, especially mercenaries accustomed to Greek/Macedonian coinage

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Trade Facilitation

Coastal cities needed standardized currency for commerce with Greek partners

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Cultural Statement

Adopting but adapting Greek coinage to express Illyrian identity within Hellenistic world

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METALS & DENOMINATIONS

The Illyrian monetary system

Limited but Distinctive Coinage

Illyrian coinage never developed the complex system of Greek city-states, focusing instead on practical denominations for local use.

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Silver

Primary Precious Metal
Drachm

Weight: ~4.3g (Attic standard) but often irregular
Function: Main silver unit, trade and prestige
Examples: Dyrrhachium cow/calf, king portraits
Note: Often lighter than Greek counterparts

Didrachm

Weight: ~8.6g (when following standards)
Function: Higher value, less common
Examples: Some royal issues, commemorative
Note: Rare, often cruder than Greek didrachms

Silver Reality: Most Illyrian silver is debased or irregular. Pure tribal issues often 80-90% silver, lighter weights common. Coastal cities maintained better standards.

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Bronze

Local Circulation
City Bronzes

Weight: Highly variable (2-15g)
Function: Everyday market use, small transactions
Designs: Civic symbols, simplified Greek types
Challenge: Hard to attribute, often overcleaned

Royal Bronzes

Rulers: Genthios, Ballaios, other kings
Features: Portraits, royal symbols, Greek legends
Quality: Often crude, local workshops
Rarity: Very rare, highly collected

Bronze Reality: Most common Illyrian coins in collections are bronzes from coastal cities. Tribal bronzes are rare and often misattributed.

The Problem of Weight Irregularities

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Inconsistent Standards

Illyrian coins often don't match exact Greek weight standards. A "drachm" might be 3.8g instead of 4.3g.

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Local Workshops

Without centralized mints, different workshops produced coins of varying weights and purity.

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Economic Reality

Less developed economy meant coins circulated locally, so exact weight mattered less than in international trade.

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Royal Debasement

Kings facing economic pressures sometimes issued lighter or baser coins, especially before wars.

Weight Guidelines for Collectors

1
Expect Variation

Don't reject a coin because it's 10-15% lighter than Greek standard. This is normal for Illyrian issues.

2
Compare to Type

Check published weights for specific types in catalogs rather than theoretical standards.

3
Watch for Extreme Lightness

Coins 30%+ under standard may be ancient forgeries or modern fakes.

4
Bronze is Harder

Bronze weights vary dramatically. Focus on style and patina rather than exact weight.

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ILLYRIAN KINGS & RULERS

Royal coinage as political statement

The Illyrian Royal Tradition

Only a handful of Illyrian kings issued coins, making these among the rarest and most historically significant Illyrian numismatic artifacts.

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King Monunius

c. 290–270 BC
Historical Context

Ardiaean king, contemporary of Pyrrhus of Epirus. Fought against and allied with Macedon at different times.

Coin Characteristics
  • Type: Silver drachms and bronzes
  • Obverse: Bearded Herakles in lion skin (copying Alexander types)
  • Reverse: Zeus enthroned with eagle and scepter
  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΥΝΙΟΥ (Of King Monunius)
  • Style: Cruder than Macedonian prototypes
Political Message

Direct imitation of Alexander's coinage asserts equal royal status and Hellenistic aspirations.

Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 20 specimens known in museums
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King Mytilos

c. 270–260 BC
Historical Context

Successor to Monunius, possibly his son. Continued Ardiaean expansion in Adriatic.

Coin Characteristics
  • Type: Silver drachms only known
  • Obverse: Young male head (Dioscuri or local deity)
  • Reverse: Thunderbolt within wreath
  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΥΤΙΛΟΥ (Of King Mytilos)
  • Style: Distinctive, not direct Macedonian copy
Political Message

Moving beyond direct copying to develop unique royal iconography while maintaining Greek legend format.

Museum Rarity: Only 5-10 specimens recorded worldwide
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Ballaios

c. 167–135 BC
Historical Context

King of the Ardiaei during Roman expansion. Last significant Illyrian king before Genthios.

Coin Characteristics
  • Type: Silver and bronze in multiple denominations
  • Obverse: Bearded portrait (possibly Ballaios himself)
  • Reverse: Athena Promachos, trident, various symbols
  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΛΛΑΙΟΥ (Of King Ballaios)
  • Style: Higher quality, influenced by Hellenistic art
Political Message

First Illyrian king to put his own portrait on coins, asserting personal rule and Hellenistic kingship ideals.

Very Rare: Most available royal Illyrian coins (but still scarce)
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Genthios

c. 181–168 BC
Historical Context

Last king of Illyria, defeated by Rome in Third Illyrian War (168 BC). End of independent Illyrian kingdom.

Coin Characteristics
  • Type: Silver drachms, bronze multiples
  • Obverse: Bearded portrait (Genthios)
  • Reverse: Leukaspis (armed warrior), various symbols
  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΓΕΝΘΙΟΥ (Of King Genthios)
  • Style: Crude but distinctive local style
Political Message

Final assertion of Illyrian independence against Rome. Leukaspis reverse may reference local warrior cult.

Extremely Rare: Coins of defeat and end of kingdom

Patterns in Illyrian Royal Coinage

Greek Language Dominance

All royal legends are in Greek, even though kings spoke Illyrian. This was for international recognition.

Macedonian Imitation → Local Innovation

Early kings copied Alexander types; later kings developed local iconography while keeping Greek format.

Portrait Evolution

No portraits (Monunius) → generic young heads (Mytilos) → royal portraits (Ballaios, Genthios).

Quality Decline

Earlier coins often better made; later issues (Genthios) cruder as kingdom declined under Roman pressure.

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ILLYRIAN CITY COINAGE

Greek colonies and Illyrian cities

The Urban Coinage Tradition

Most "Illyrian" coins in collections come from cities, either Greek colonies or Hellenized Illyrian settlements. These are more common and accessible than royal issues.

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Dyrrhachium

Greek Colony

Foundation: Corinth/Corcyra colony (c. 627 BC)

Coin Period: 5th–1st century BC

Primary Type: Cow suckling calf (most famous Illyrian coin type)

Other Types: Artemis, Dionysus, various civic symbols

Legend: ΔΥΡ or ΔΥΡΡΑΧΙΝΩΝ (of the Dyrrhachians)

Collector Status: Most common Illyrian coins, affordable bronzes

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Apollonia

Greek Colony

Foundation: Corinth/Corcyra colony (c. 588 BC)

Coin Period: 5th–1st century BC

Primary Type: Cow suckling calf (similar to Dyrrhachium)

Other Types: Apollo, Artemis, civic badges

Legend: ΑΠΟΛ or ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΑΤΩΝ (of the Apolloniates)

Collector Status: Common, slightly rarer than Dyrrhachium

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Lissus

Illyrian City

Location: Modern Lezhë, Albania

Coin Period: 4th–2nd century BC

Primary Type: Cow and calf, Artemis, local symbols

Legend: ΛΙΣ or ΛΙΣΣΙΤΩΝ (of the Lissans)

Note: More Illyrian influence in style than Greek colonies

Collector Status: Rare, especially silver

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Scodra

Illyrian Royal Capital

Location: Modern Shkodër, Albania

Coin Period: 3rd–2nd century BC (mainly royal period)

Types: Cow/calf, king portraits, local symbols

Legend: ΣΚΟΔΡΙΝΩΝ (of the Scodrans) on civic issues

Note: Capital of Ardiaean kingdom, mint for kings

Collector Status: Very rare, especially silver civic issues

The Famous Cow and Calf Type

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Origin and Meaning

The cow suckling calf appears on coins of Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, and other Illyrian cities. Its meaning is debated:

1
Economic Symbol

Represents agricultural wealth, cattle breeding important in Illyria

2
Mythological Reference

May reference myth of Io (cow) or local pastoral deities

3
Civic Identity

Becomes "logo" for cities, like owl for Athens or Pegasus for Corinth

Collector Note: Cow/calf coins are the most accessible entry to Illyrian coinage. Bronzes available for $50–$200, silvers $300–$1,000.

Magistrate Systems on City Coins

Greek Colonial Practice
  • Dyrrhachium/Apollonia: Regular magistrate names on coins
  • Format: City ethnic + magistrate name in genitive
  • Example: ΔΥΡ ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝΟΣ = "Of Dyrrhachium, (coin) of Ariston"
  • Purpose: Official responsibility, dating evidence
Illyrian City Variations
  • Lissus/Scodra: Less consistent magistrate naming
  • Sometimes: Only city ethnic, no magistrate
  • Sometimes: Symbols instead of names
  • Note: Reflects less developed civic administration
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LEGENDS & LANGUAGE

The silent evidence of Illyrian identity

The Greek-Language Coinage of Illyria

Despite being Illyrian speakers, all Illyrian coin legends are in Greek. This reveals much about cultural interaction and political strategy.

Three Categories of Illyrian Coin Legends

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Civic Legends

Format: City ethnic in genitive plural

Examples:
• ΔΥΡΡΑΧΙΝΩΝ = "of the Dyrrhachians"
• ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΑΤΩΝ = "of the Apolloniates"
• ΛΙΣΣΙΤΩΝ = "of the Lissans"

Meaning: Standard Greek colonial practice asserting civic identity

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Royal Legends

Format: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ + king's name in genitive

Examples:
• ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΥΝΙΟΥ = "of King Monunius"
• ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΓΕΝΘΙΟΥ = "of King Genthios"
• ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΛΛΑΙΟΥ = "of King Ballaios"

Meaning: Adopting Hellenistic royal titulature for international recognition

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Magistrate Legends

Format: City ethnic + magistrate name

Examples:
• ΔΥΡ ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝΟΣ = "Dyrrhachium, of Ariston"
• ΑΠΟΛ ΝΙΚΑΝΟΡΟΣ = "Apollonia, of Nicanor"
• With symbols or monograms

Meaning: Greek administrative system adopted by Illyrian cities

Why No Illyrian Language on Coins?

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International Audience

Coins circulated beyond Illyria to Greek traders, mercenaries, and neighboring states who read Greek.

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Prestige Factor

Greek was the language of civilization, culture, and power in the Mediterranean world.

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Literacy Reality

Illyrian may not have had written form suitable for coin legends, or literacy was limited to elite.

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Political Strategy

Kings wanted to present themselves as Hellenistic monarchs equal to Macedonian and Greek rulers.

Ethnic Legends as Cultural Statements

ΔΥΡΡΑΧΙΝΩΝ
Greek Colonial Identity

Despite being in Illyria, Dyrrhachium emphasizes its Greek colonial origins, not adaptation to Illyrian context.

ΛΙΣΣΙΤΩΝ
Illyrian Civic Identity

Lissus uses Greek format but the city name is Illyrian. This shows Hellenization while maintaining local identity.

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΓΕΝΘΙΟΥ
Illyrian Royal Identity

Greek royal title with Illyrian personal name (Genthios). Perfect encapsulation of cultural synthesis.

Practical Tips for Reading Illyrian Legends

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Look for ΔΥΡ or ΑΠΟΛ

These abbreviations identify Dyrrhachium and Apollonia, the most common Illyrian coins.

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ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ = Royal

This word alone means you have a royal Illyrian coin, which is rare and valuable.

-ΩΝ
-ΩΝ Ending = Civic

City coins end with -ΩΝ (genitive plural "of the..."). This is standard Greek civic format.

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SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY

Visual language of Illyrian identity

Greek Forms, Illyrian Meanings

Illyrian coin iconography adapts Greek artistic conventions to express local identities, values, and political messages.

Primary Illyrian Symbols

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Cow & Calf
Most Common Illyrian Type

Cities: Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Lissus, Scodra

Meanings: Agricultural wealth, pastoral life, fertility, civic prosperity

Greek Parallel: Similar to cow/calf on Corinthian coins but becomes distinct Illyrian type

Collector Note: The definitive Illyrian coin image

☀️
Helios
Sun God Imagery

Appearance: Radiate head, sometimes in chariot

Meanings: Solar cults in Illyria, possible local sun deity identification

Examples: Some Dyrrhachium bronzes, royal issues

Note: Less common than cow/calf but significant

Military & Political Symbols

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Shields
Illyrian Military Identity

Types: Illyrian oval shields, sometimes with designs

Meanings: Warrior society, military power, tribal identity

Examples: Some royal bronzes, city coins as secondary symbols

Note: Distinct from Greek round hoplon shields

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Ships
Naval Power

Types: Galleys, sometimes with sails

Meanings: Adriatic seafaring, trade, piracy, naval capability

Examples: Coastal city coins, especially Dyrrhachium

Historical Context: Illyrians famous for shipbuilding and piracy

Greek Gods in Illyrian Context

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Artemis
Hunting Goddess

Appearance: Bow, quiver, sometimes stag

Illyrian Adaptation: Mountain hunting culture, wilderness deities

Examples: Common on city bronzes, some silvers

Note: Artemis easily assimilated to Illyrian hunting cults

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Zeus
Supreme God

Appearance: Enthroned with eagle/scepter, thunderbolt

Illyrian Adaptation: Sky god parallels, royal authority symbol

Examples: Royal coins (Monunius), some city issues

Note: Used by kings to assert divine sanction

Identifying Illyrian Style Characteristics

Illyrian Traits
  • Cruder Engraving: Less refined than Greek colonial work
  • Irregular Flans: Often uneven, not perfectly circular
  • Simplified Details: Features less defined, especially on reverses
  • Mixed Iconography: Greek gods with Illyrian symbols
  • Weight Irregularities: As discussed in Section 4
Greek Colonial Traits
  • Refined Style: Professional Greek engravers
  • Regular Flans: Well-prepared circular planchets
  • Detailed Art: Fine details, naturalistic proportions
  • Pure Iconography: Standard Greek types without local mixing
  • Standard Weights: Consistent with Corinthian/Attic standards
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ILLYRIA UNDER ROME

The end of native coinage and Roman transformation

The Roman Conquest (229–168 BC)

Three Illyrian Wars ended native Illyrian coinage and transformed the region into Roman provinces.

Key Events in the End of Illyrian Coinage

229 BC
First Illyrian War

Rome intervenes against Queen Teuta's piracy. Illyria becomes Roman protectorate but retains nominal independence.

Coin Impact: Some cities continue minting, but under Roman oversight.

219 BC
Second Illyrian War

Rome defeats Demetrius of Pharos. Tighter Roman control established.

Coin Impact: Royal coinage likely ends for Demetrius' line.

168 BC
Third Illyrian War

Rome defeats King Genthios. Illyrian kingdom dissolved, territory divided.

Coin Impact: End of all Illyrian royal coinage. Last native issues.

After 168 BC
Roman Province

Illyria becomes Roman province (later Illyricum). Cities gradually lose minting rights.

Coin Impact: City coinage continues briefly, then replaced by Roman currency.

Roman Provincial Coinage in Illyria

Continuity Phase (c. 168–100 BC)
  • Some cities continue: Dyrrhachium, Apollonia may mint under Roman authority
  • Types continue: Cow/calf and other traditional types persist
  • Roman symbols appear: Occasionally Roman devices added
  • Gradual decline: Quality and quantity decrease over time
Romanization Phase (After 100 BC)
  • Roman coinage dominant: Denarius system replaces local coinage
  • Imperial coinage: Coins of Roman emperors circulate exclusively
  • Local identity erased: No more Illyrian symbols or legends
  • Provincial bronze: Some local bronze coinage for small change, but Roman types

The Final Transition: What Replaced Illyrian Coinage

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Roman Republican Coinage

Denarii, asses, and other Roman denominations circulated widely in Illyria after conquest.

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Imperial Coinage

Coins of Roman emperors found throughout Illyrian territories in archaeological sites.

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Mixed Circulation

For a period, old Illyrian coins circulated alongside new Roman ones before disappearing.

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Historical Evidence

Illyrian coins in hoards with Roman coins help date the transition period archaeologically.

Collector Implications of the Roman End

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Firm End Date

No Illyrian coins after 1st century BC. Any coin claiming to be later is misattributed or fake.

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Archaeological Context

Illyrian coins in hoards with Roman coins help authenticate and date them.

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Rarity Factor

Limited minting period (200-300 years max) means fewer coins survived than Greek or Roman.

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IDENTIFYING ILLYRIAN COINS

Practical guide to attribution

The Illyrian Attribution Challenge

Illyrian coins are often misidentified as Greek colonial issues. This systematic approach helps correctly attribute them.

1
Check for Cow & Calf

If present: Likely Illyrian (Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Lissus, Scodra)
Note: Corinth also used cow/calf but style is different
Illyrian style: Cruder, less naturalistic, often off-center
Greek style: Refined, natural proportions, well-centered

2
Read the Legend

ΔΥΡ or ΔΥΡΡΑΧΙΝΩΝ: Dyrrhachium (most common)
ΑΠΟΛ or ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΙΑΤΩΝ: Apollonia
ΛΙΣ or ΛΙΣΣΙΤΩΝ: Lissus
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ: Royal Illyrian (rare and valuable)
No legend or illegible: Use style analysis

3
Weigh and Measure

Silver drachm: Should be ~4.3g but often lighter (3.5–4.2g common)
Bronze: Highly variable (2–15g), not diagnostic alone
Diameter: Often irregular, not perfectly circular
Thickness: Uneven, may be thicker on one side

4
Analyze Style & Fabric

Illyrian traits: Crude engraving, irregular flan, simplified details
Fabric: Often porous bronze, uneven surfaces
Strike quality: Often weak, especially on edges
Centering: Frequently off-center, design runs off flan

5
Check for Illyrian Symbols

Shields: Oval Illyrian shields (not Greek round)
Ships: Adriatic galleys, sometimes with local features
Local deities: May be crude versions of Greek gods
Royal portraits: Bearded kings (Ballaios, Genthios) cruder than Hellenistic

Common Misattributions to Avoid

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Corinth vs Dyrrhachium

Problem: Both use cow/calf type
Solution: Check legend (ΚΟΡ vs ΔΥΡ) and style (Corinthian is finer)

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Macedonian vs Illyrian Royal

Problem: Illyrian kings copied Macedonian types
Solution: Illyrian versions cruder, lighter weight, different legends

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Greek Colonial vs Illyrian City

Problem: Dyrrhachium/Apollonia ARE Greek colonies
Solution: True distinction is between these and inland Illyrian cities (Lissus, Scodra)

Quick Reference: Common Illyrian Coin Types

Type City/King Key Features Rarity Approx. Value
Cow/Calf Bronze Dyrrhachium ΔΥΡ legend, crude style Common $50–$200
Cow/Calf Silver Dyrrhachium ΔΥΡΡΑΧΙΝΩΝ, lighter weight Uncommon $300–$1,000
Artemis Bronze Apollonia ΑΠΟΛ, bow/quiver Common $50–$150
Royal Drachm Monunius/Genthios ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ legend, crude Extremely Rare $5,000+
Shield/Ship Bronze Lissus/Scodra Local symbols, irregular Rare $200–$600
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FORGERIES & MODERN CONFUSION

Navigating the risky Illyrian coin market

The Illyrian Forgery Problem

Illyrian coins face significant forgery risks due to their rarity and the Balkan region's history of producing antiquities fakes.

Types of Illyrian Fakes & Issues

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Balkan Modern Fakes

Source: Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro workshops

Methods: Casting from genuine coins, electrolytic reproduction

Targets: Royal Illyrian coins (highest value), silver drachms

Detection: Casting bubbles, wrong metal composition, artificial patina

Risk Level: High – often sold as "from old Balkan collection"

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Misattributed Coins

Problem: Genuine ancient coins wrongly labeled as Illyrian

Common Errors: Corinth as Dyrrhachium, Macedonian as Illyrian royal

Causes: Dealer ignorance, wishful thinking, similar types

Detection: Compare to genuine examples, check weight/legend

Risk Level: Medium – overpaying for common Greek coins

🎁
Tourist Replicas

Source: Albanian souvenir shops, online "reproduction" sellers

Appearance: Obvious modern metal, often shiny, fantasy designs

Intent: Sold openly as replicas, but sometimes resold as genuine

Detection: Modern materials, no wear, often magnetic

Risk Level: Low – obvious to experienced collectors

How to Detect Illyrian Fakes

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Magnification Check
  • Casting bubbles: Tiny pits in fields under 10x magnification
  • Seam lines: Mold lines on edges of cast fakes
  • Tool marks: Modern engraving vs ancient striking
  • Patina: Artificial patina often chips or is uneven
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Weight & Measurement
  • Wrong weight: Fakes often significantly off standard
  • Wrong diameter: Modern casts may be wrong size
  • Wrong thickness: Uniform thickness (casts) vs variable (struck)
  • Edge examination: Casting seams, modern filing
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Material Tests
  • Magnet test: Many modern fakes contain iron
  • Sound test: Cast coins have dull ring vs bright ring of struck
  • Specific gravity: If suspicious, check density
  • Surface examination: Modern bronze vs ancient corrosion
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Special Warning: Balkan Source Coins

Coins allegedly "fresh from Balkan soil" or "old Balkan collection" require extra caution:

  • Bulgarian fakes: Sophisticated fakes of Illyrian royal coins circulate
  • Albanian "finds": Some dealers sell fakes as recent detector finds
  • Montenegrin sources: Similar issues with coastal Illyrian types
  • Documentation needed: Genuine coins should have proper export paperwork

Protection: Buy from established Western dealers with return policies. For high-value Illyrian coins, consider third-party authentication.

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COLLECTING ILLYRIAN COINS

Building a meaningful Illyrian collection

The Specialist's Frontier

Illyrian coin collecting offers challenges and rewards for those interested in less-explored areas of ancient numismatics.

Illyrian Coin Rarity Levels

Common
Frequently Available

Types: Dyrrhachium/Apollonia bronzes (cow/calf, Artemis)

Price Range: $50–$200

Where to Find: Most ancient coin dealers, smaller auctions

Beginner Friendly: Yes – learn attribution without huge investment

Uncommon
Periodically Available

Types: Dyrrhachium/Apollonia silver drachms, Lissus/Scodra bronzes

Price Range: $200–$1,000

Where to Find: Specialist ancient coin auctions, better dealers

Intermediate Level: Requires more knowledge to avoid misattributions

Rare
Seldom Available

Types: Silver of inland cities, better royal bronzes

Price Range: $1,000–$5,000

Where to Find: Major auctions (CNG, Roma, Nomos), specialist sales

Advanced Level: Need expertise to authenticate and value correctly

Extremely Rare
Museum Level

Types: Royal silver (Monunius, Genthios, Ballaios)

Price Range: $5,000–$20,000+

Where to Find: Major museum auctions, private treaty sales

Expert Level: Authentication essential, often with provenance

Best Entry Points for New Collectors

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Cow/Calf Bronzes

Why Start Here: Most common Illyrian type, affordable, teaches basic attribution

Goal: Get one each from Dyrrhachium and Apollonia to compare

Budget: $50–$150 each

Learning: Legend reading, style comparison, patina recognition

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Artemis Bronzes

Why Expand Here: Second most common type, shows Greek religious influence

Goal: Example from Apollonia or Dyrrhachium

Budget: $50–$200

Learning: Deity identification, condition assessment

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First Silver

Why Advance Here: Move from bronze to precious metal

Goal: Dyrrhachium silver drachm with cow/calf

Budget: $300–$800

Learning: Weight standards, silver preservation, higher stakes

Collection Theme Ideas

By City

Focus: All coins from one Illyrian city

Example: Dyrrhachium bronzes and silvers, all types

Challenge: Some cities have very rare types

Educational Value: Deep understanding of one mint's output

By Type

Focus: One motif across different cities

Example: Cow/calf coins from Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, Lissus

Challenge: Lissus/Scodra examples rare and expensive

Educational Value: Shows regional variations on common theme

Historical Progression

Focus: Show Illyrian history through coins

Example: Greek colonial → Illyrian city → royal → end of coinage

Challenge: Royal coins extremely rare and expensive

Educational Value: Tells complete Illyrian numismatic story

Investment Potential Considerations

Positive Factors
  • Rarity: Genuine Illyrian coins are scarce relative to Greek/Roman
  • Growing Interest: Balkan archaeology increasing academic and collector attention
  • Undervalued: Less studied than major Greek series, potential for appreciation
  • Historical Significance: Coins of "barbarian" peoples gaining respect
Risk Factors
  • Authentication Risk: High fake rate requires expertise
  • Market Liquidity: Smaller market than Greek/Roman, harder to sell
  • Condition Issues: Often poorly preserved, affecting value stability
  • Regional Politics: Balkan antiquities laws changing, affecting supply

Advice: Collect Illyrian coins for historical interest and personal enjoyment first. Any investment potential should be secondary. Focus on properly attributed coins in the best condition you can afford, with preference for pieces with provenance.

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WHY ILLYRIAN COINS MATTER

Beyond numismatics: cultural and historical significance

More Than Just Ancient Money

Illyrian coins provide unique insights into a people often marginalized in classical histories as "barbarians" but who developed complex societies and interacted significantly with Greek and Roman civilizations.

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Cultural Survival Evidence

In a region repeatedly conquered (Greek, Roman, Slavic, Ottoman), Illyrian coins preserve indigenous identity. They show Illyrians weren't just passive recipients of Greek culture but active adaptors who maintained distinct identity while engaging Mediterranean world.

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Political Identity Assertion

Royal Illyrian coinage, especially with portraits, shows kings asserting sovereignty against Macedonian and Roman pressure. The very act of minting coins was political statement: "We are a kingdom, not just tribes."

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Regional Importance

Illyria was crucial buffer zone between Greek/Macedonian east and Italian/Roman west. Illyrian coins document this strategic region's economic and political interactions long before Roman dominance.

Modern Relevance: Balkan Identity & Archaeology

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Albanian National Identity

Modern Albanians see Illyrians as ancestors. Illyrian coins feature prominently in national museums and cultural discourse as evidence of ancient statehood.

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Archaeological Priority

Balkan countries increasingly protect Illyrian sites. Coins help date settlements and trade patterns, contributing to regional archaeology.

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Scholarly Reevaluation

Modern scholarship moves beyond Greek/Roman perspectives to study Illyrians on their own terms. Coins are key primary evidence for this reassessment.

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Collector Recognition

Once ignored, Illyrian coins now gain respect as legitimate ancient coinage, not just "crude barbarian" issues. This reflects broader numismatic appreciation for non-Greek/Roman traditions.

The Illyrian Numismatic Legacy

Illyrian coinage represents a fascinating case study in cultural interaction, political ambition, and economic adaptation. From the Greek colonies of the coast to the mountain strongholds of Ardiaean kings, these coins tell a story of a people navigating between Mediterranean civilization and Balkan tradition.

"In their silver and bronze, we find not just tribal currency, but the aspirations of kings, the identity of cities, and the complex relationship between Illyrian society and the classical world. Each Illyrian coin is a fragment of that forgotten kingdom at the crossroads of civilizations."

Your Illyrian Journey Awaits

Whether you start with a simple Dyrrhachium bronze or aspire to a royal drachm of Genthios, Illyrian coin collecting offers a connection to one of antiquity's most intriguing frontier regions. The coins are rare, the history is rich, and the collecting frontier is still being explored.

Ready to Explore Illyrian Coins?

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