Queen Teuta and Her Coins: The Warrior Queen of Illyria
In the shadowy corners of ancient history, where fierce tribes ruled the rugged coastlines of the western Balkans, one woman stood out — Queen Teuta of Illyria. Her reign may have been short, but her name still echoes in the stories of resistance and ambition. For coin collectors and history lovers, Teuta’s era offers a glimpse into a time of maritime power, bold defiance, and the early clashes between East and West.
Meet Queen Teuta: A Force of Nature
After the death of her husband, King Agron, around 231 BC, Teuta took command of the Ardiaei tribe — and with it, much of the Illyrian navy. She didn’t hesitate to pick up where Agron left off. Illyrian ships patrolled — and often plundered — the Adriatic. This bold strategy drew the attention (and anger) of Rome, leading to the First Illyrian War in 229 BC.
Teuta held her ground. She resisted demands from the Roman Senate and fought back when envoys came knocking. Though ultimately outmatched, she earned a reputation that would rival future queens like Boudica and Zenobia.
Coins from the Time of Teuta
Now here’s the thing — no coin has been found with Teuta’s portrait or name stamped on it. But during her time in power, Illyrian mints were very much active, especially in places like Dyrrachium and Apollonia. The silver drachms from these cities help paint the picture of her era.
🐂 Dyrrachium Silver Drachms
- Obverse: A cow gently nursing her calf. It’s a peaceful image, maybe a symbol of prosperity or stability.
- Reverse: A club or star-like design, often framed in a wreath.
- Legend: ΔΥΡ (for Dyrrachium).
- Metal: Silver.
- Why it matters: These coins were the lifeblood of Adriatic trade. With Teuta controlling the seas, their spread likely benefited from her influence.
🏛️ Apollonia Silver Drachms
- Obverse: Often shares the cow-and-calf image seen on Dyrrachium coins.
- Reverse: A tripod or thunderbolt — common symbols of strength and divine approval.
- Legend: ΑΠΟΛ (Apollonia).
- Metal: Silver.
- Why it matters: Apollonia was a cultural and economic hub. Its coinage represents the Illyrian region’s interconnected city-states.
⚓ Maritime Motifs on Illyrian Coins
- Ships, oars, and anchors started appearing more frequently on Illyrian coins during and after Teuta’s reign.
- These designs reflect the growing naval identity of Illyria, which Teuta herself embodied.
What Makes These Coins Special?
These aren’t just old pieces of silver — they’re silent witnesses. Each coin carries a piece of the region’s conflict, commerce, and culture. And while Teuta may not have had her own coin, the designs and circulation of these issues tell the story of a queen who shaped the tides.
- Context over portrait: The absence of her image doesn’t lessen the value. If anything, it makes the hunt more interesting.
- Power at sea: The naval symbols align perfectly with her historical role.
- Legacy through currency: These coins came from a time when a woman dared to stand up to Rome — and that’s worth remembering.
Collector Notes: Buying Coins from Teuta’s Era
- Don’t expect portraits. Focus on location, date, and style.
- Start with drachms from Dyrrachium or Apollonia. These are the most accessible and most historically linked to her rule.
- Condition counts. Clear imagery of the cow, calf, or club designs adds value.
- Price range: $100–$300 is typical for good silver coins of this period.
- Provenance is key. Be wary of modern fakes. Stick with reputable auction houses or dealers.
Why Queen Teuta Still Captivates Us
There’s something powerful about a leader who stood her ground in a man’s world. Teuta’s story — half legend, half fact — makes every coin from her era feel a bit more alive. For collectors, it’s not just about silver weight or rarity. It’s about connection.
When you hold a coin from Illyria’s coast, minted while Teuta ruled the waves, you’re not just holding currency — you’re holding a piece of forgotten resistance.
