Top 25 Illyrian Silver Coins (Catalogue + Auction Prices)

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⚔️ Introduction: The Untold Story of Illyrian Silver Coinage

Illyrian silver coins are among the most mysterious and underappreciated in ancient numismatics. Struck by a network of tribes and cities along the eastern Adriatic coast—from Dyrrachium and Apollonia to the Daorsi and the kingdom of Monunius—these coins offer a raw glimpse into a culture that bridged Greek influence and local tradition.

This catalogue presents 25 of the most remarkable Illyrian silver coins, each with historical insights, obverse/reverse descriptions, and estimated auction prices.

Let’s dive into the rugged world of Illyrian silver coinage.

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🪙 Top 25 Illyrian Silver Coins (with Catalogue Details)

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1. Dyrrachium Drachm, c. 229–100 BC

• Tribe/City: Dyrrachium

• Obverse: Cow standing right, suckling calf

• Reverse: Double stellate pattern, club in wreath

• Weight: ~3.2g

• Auction Value: $100–300

• Notes: Struck under Roman protectorate; widely circulated across the Balkans.

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2. Apollonia Drachm, c. 200–80 BC

• City: Apollonia

• Obverse: Cow suckling calf left

• Reverse: AΠOΛ / magistrate name; thunderbolt within wreath

• Weight: ~3.1g

• Auction Value: $90–250

• Notes: Strong Greek stylistic influence.

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3. Monunius I Silver Drachm, c. 280–250 BC

• Kingdom: Dardania

• Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus

• Reverse: MΩNOYNIOY; Dardani horseman

• Weight: ~3.3g

• Auction Value: $1,000–3,000

• Notes: One of the first Illyrian royal coins; extremely desirable.

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4. Ballaios Tetradrachm, c. 168–135 BC

• Kingdom: Illyrian

• Obverse: Bust of King Ballaios

• Reverse: King seated holding spear

• Weight: ~16.5g

• Auction Value: $500–1,500

• Notes: Local silver coin with bold portraiture; often found on the Dalmatian coast.

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5. Daorson Silver Drachm, c. 100–50 BC

• Tribe: Daorsi (modern-day Bosnia)

• Obverse: Head of king with tiara

• Reverse: Galley prow and dolphins

• Weight: ~2.9g

• Auction Value: $600–1,200

• Notes: Striking maritime symbolism; rare outside of regional finds.

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6. Lissus Drachm, c. 229–100 BC

• City: Lissus

• Obverse: Zeus seated left

• Reverse: LS / club and ivy

• Weight: ~3.2g

• Auction Value: $150–400

• Notes: Influenced by Macedonian design but distinct mintmarking.

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7. Rhizon Silver Coin, c. 250–200 BC

• City: Rhizon (modern-day Risan, Montenegro)

• Obverse: Female head (likely goddess)

• Reverse: Torch and star

• Weight: ~2.8g

• Auction Value: $500–1,000

• Notes: Rare, tied to Queen Teuta’s naval stronghold.

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8. Skodra Drachm, c. 200–168 BC

• City: Scodra

• Obverse: Apollo laureate

• Reverse: Lyre and SC monogram

• Weight: ~3.0g

• Auction Value: $250–600

• Notes: Mix of Greek and native themes.

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9. Byllis Drachm, c. 250–150 BC

• City: Byllis (southern Illyria)

• Obverse: Head of Artemis

• Reverse: BΥΛΛΙΟΝ / bow and club

• Weight: ~3.1g

• Auction Value: $180–400

• Notes: Associated with tribal sanctuaries.

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10. Pelion Drachm, c. 229–100 BC

• City: Pelion

• Obverse: Bearded male head

• Reverse: PEL / thunderbolt

• Weight: ~2.9g

• Auction Value: $200–450

• Notes: Rarely appears in trade; local ceremonial value.

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11–25. (Summarized – Full entries available in PDF download)

11. Orikos Drachm – Cow & thunderbolt

12. King Gentius Tetradrachm – Rare anti-Roman coin

13. Dardania Anonymous Drachm – Horseman + spear

14. Unknown Scodra Type – Crude head + local symbol

15. Ballaios Half-Drachm – Smaller version

16. Teuta Era Coin – Stylized female bust

17. Rhizon Bronze overstrike on silver

18. Daorson Galley Variant – Full sailing scene

19. Dyrrachium + Apollonia Overstrike

20. Lissus Military Type – Shield reverse

21. Ardiaei Coinage – Possible issue, disputed

22. Monunius Variant – Stylized horseman

23. King Mytilos Coin – Successor to Monunius

24. Scodra Civic Issue – Laurel + city gate

25. Byllis Magistrate Marked – DYONYSIOS legend

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📊 Auction Price Summary (General Estimates)

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🔗 Internal Links to Add:

• Rare Illyrian Coins – Collector’s Guide

• Illyricum: History & Tribes

• Top 25 Ancient Greek Silver Coins