Top 100 Illyricum Coins – Complete Illustrated Catalogue

The definitive collector reference for Illyrian, Greek colonial, and Roman coinage from ancient Illyricum

100
Key Coin Types
900
Years Covered
30+
Mints & Cities
4
Major Periods

Catalogue Scope

Geography: Ancient Illyricum (modern Balkans)
Period: 5th century BC β†’ 4th century AD
Metals: Silver (AR), Bronze (AE), Gold (AV)
Issuers: Illyrian kings, Greek cities, Roman mints
Section I 15 Coins

Illyrian Tribal & Royal Coins

Native Illyrian coinage representing tribal confederations and royal authority before Roman domination.

5th–2nd Century BC
Tribal Kings & Confederations
Mostly Museum-Level Rarity
1 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Monunius – AR Stater

Date: c. 300–280 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~10.3–10.5 g
Diameter: ~21–22 mm
Mint: Dyrrhachium region

Iconography

Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena

Reverse: Thunderbolt, legend ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΞ₯ΞΞ™ΞŸΞ₯

Historical Significance

First true Illyrian royal silver coinage. Shows direct imitation of Macedonian types with Illyrian royal legend, representing assertion of royal authority and Hellenistic aspirations.

2 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Monunius – AR Stater (Control-Mark Variety)

Date: c. 300–280 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~10.3–10.5 g
Diameter: ~21–22 mm
Mint: Dyrrhachium region

Iconography

Obverse: Royal portrait or helmeted head

Reverse: Thunderbolt with control marks

Historical Significance

Variant of royal stater with additional control marks. Demonstrates mint organization and quality control in Illyrian royal coinage.

3 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Monunius – AR Drachm (Reduced Denomination)

Date: c. 290–270 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~3.0–3.6 g
Diameter: ~16–20 mm
Mint: Southern Illyria (Taulantii sphere)

Iconography

Obverse: Royal portrait or symbols

Reverse: Royal legend variants

Historical Significance

Lighter trade issue with wide Balkan circulation. Shows economic integration of Illyrian kingdom and adaptation of Greek weight standards.

4 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

Mytilos – AR Issue

Date: 3rd Century BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~3–10 g
Diameter: ~16–22 mm
Mint: Southern Illyria

Iconography

Obverse: Ruler portrait or symbols

Reverse: Greek name legend variants

Historical Significance

Extremely rare Illyrian royal issue. Successor to Monunius, continued Ardiaean expansion in Adriatic. Limited surviving specimens.

5 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Lissus – AE Civic Bronze

Date: 3rd–2nd Century BC
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~3–8 g
Diameter: ~14–22 mm
Mint: Lissus (LezhΓ« region)

Iconography

Obverse: Civic symbols or deities

Reverse: City/ethnic legends vary

Historical Significance

Local bronze coinage for everyday transactions. Shows civic autonomy and economic activity in Hellenized Illyrian cities.

6 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Scodra – AE Bronze

Date: 3rd–2nd Century BC
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~3–8 g
Diameter: ~14–22 mm
Mint: Scodra (ShkodΓ«r region)

Iconography

Obverse: Local symbols or royal portraits

Reverse: City/ethnic legends vary

Historical Significance

Capital of Ardiaean kingdom, important mint for royal and civic issues. Shows regional economic integration.

7 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Rhizon – Civic Issue

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE/AR (varies)
Weight: Variable
Diameter: Variable
Mint: Rhizon (Risan region)

Iconography

Obverse: Civic symbols or deities

Reverse: City/ethnic legends vary

Historical Significance

Important coastal city with naval tradition. Coinage shows economic activity and civic identity in Adriatic Illyria.

8 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Daorson/Daorsi – AE Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~2–7 g
Diameter: ~12–20 mm
Mint: Daorson area

Iconography

Obverse: Tribal symbols or local deities

Reverse: Ethnic/civic legends vary

Historical Significance

Local bronze coinage showing Hellenization of inland Illyrian tribes. Important for understanding economic development beyond coastal areas.

9 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

Dardani Region – AE Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~2–8 g
Diameter: ~12–22 mm
Mint: Inland Balkans (Dardanian sphere)

Iconography

Obverse: Tribal symbols or warrior imagery

Reverse: Tribal/civic legends vary

Historical Significance

Warrior society of inland Balkans. Coinage shows economic development and trade connections of inland Illyrian tribes.

10 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Taulantii Sphere – Imitative AR

Date: 3rd–2nd Century BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~2.8–3.5 g
Diameter: ~16–20 mm
Mint: Southern Illyria

Iconography

Obverse: Greek imitative patterns

Reverse: Greek imitative/civic patterns

Historical Significance

Shows cultural and economic influence of Greek colonies on Illyrian tribes. Early adopters of coinage in Illyria.

11 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

"Illyrian Shield" Motif Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~3–10 g
Diameter: ~15–26 mm
Mint: Various Illyrian workshops

Iconography

Obverse: Illyrian oval shield

Reverse: Various symbols, legends vary

Historical Significance

Pan-Illyrian symbolism representing warrior society and military identity. Distinct from Greek round hoplon shields.

12 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

"Thunderbolt" Motif Civic Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~2–8 g
Diameter: ~12–22 mm
Mint: Various Illyrian cities

Iconography

Obverse: Civic symbols or deities

Reverse: Thunderbolt symbol, legends vary

Historical Significance

Royal power motif adopted by civic authorities. Shows religious and political symbolism in Illyrian coinage.

13 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

"Helmeted Head" Civic Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~3–10 g
Diameter: ~15–26 mm
Mint: Various Illyrian cities

Iconography

Obverse: Helmeted head (Athena or warrior)

Reverse: Various symbols, legends vary

Historical Significance

Authority and military protection iconography. Common motif in Illyrian civic coinage showing Greek influence.

14 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Coastal Trident Motif Bronze

Date: Hellenistic Period
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~2–7 g
Diameter: ~12–20 mm
Mint: Adriatic coastal cities

Iconography

Obverse: Poseidon or naval symbols

Reverse: Trident, legends vary

Historical Significance

Coastal influence and naval power symbolism. Reflects importance of maritime trade and naval capabilities in Adriatic Illyria.

15 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Late Illyrian Transitional Bronze

Date: 2nd–1st Century BC
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~3–12 g
Diameter: ~16–28 mm
Mint: Various Illyrian cities

Iconography

Obverse: Late civic issues, mixed styles

Reverse: Various symbols, legends vary

Historical Significance

Final native Illyrian coinage before Roman conquest. Shows adaptation and decline under Roman pressure.

Section II 40 Coins

Greek & Hellenized Cities of Illyricum

Colonial Greek cities and Hellenized urban centers, representing the most substantial body of Illyricum coinage.

5th–1st Century BC
Dyrrhachium, Apollonia, etc.
Most Collectible Series

Dyrrhachium Coins 16–45

The most prolific mint in Illyricum, famous for its cow/calf drachms that circulated widely in the Balkans.

16 β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Dyrrhachium AR Drachm – Cow/Calf + Double Stellate

Date: c. 229–45 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~3.2–3.5 g
Diameter: ~17–20 mm
Mint: Dyrrhachium

Iconography

Obverse: Cow standing right, suckling calf

Reverse: Double stellate pattern within incuse square, Ξ”YP ethnic

Historical Significance

The definitive Dyrrhachium type. Most common Illyrian silver coin in collections. Standard trade coinage circulating throughout Balkans.

Example Magistrate

Ξ¦IΛΩTAΞ£ (Philotas) / ZΩΠYPOY (Zopyros)

17 β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Dyrrhachium AR Drachm – Example Magistrates PHILOTAS / ZOPYROS

Date: c. 200–45 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~3.36 g (specimen)
Diameter: ~20 mm (specimen)
Mint: Dyrrhachium

Iconography

Obverse: Cow/calf, legend Ξ¦IΛΩTAΞ£

Reverse: Stellate square, legend Ξ”YP…ZΩΠYPOY

Historical Significance

Named magistrate type showing civic administration system. Well-documented example of Dyrrhachium's coinage system.

18 β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Dyrrhachium AR Drachm – Example Magistrates ZENON / AGATHIONOS

Date: After 229 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~3.3–3.7 g
Diameter: ~17–18 mm
Mint: Dyrrhachium

Iconography

Obverse: Cow/calf, legend ΞENΩN

Reverse: Stellate square, legend Ξ”YP AΞ“AΘIΞ©NOΞ£

Historical Significance

Another named magistrate pair showing continuity of civic administration post-229 BC Roman intervention.

46 β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Apollonia AR Drachm – Cow/Calf + Double Stellate

Date: c. 229–100 BC
Metal: AR (Silver)
Weight: ~2.8–3.2 g
Diameter: ~16–19 mm
Mint: Apollonia

Iconography

Obverse: Cow standing right, suckling calf

Reverse: Double stellate pattern, Ξ‘Ξ ΞŸΞ› ethnic

Historical Significance

Parallel to Dyrrhachium types but with distinct style and weight standard. Second major Greek colony in Illyria.

Section III 20 Coins

Roman Provincial Coins of Illyricum

Provincial issues under Roman administration, showing transition from Greek civic to Roman imperial systems.

1st–3rd Century AD
Provincial Authority
Bronze Focus
56 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

Salona – Augustus Provincial Bronze

Date: 27 BC–14 AD
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: Variable
Diameter: Variable
Mint: Salona

Iconography

Obverse: Augustus portrait

Reverse: Civic symbols, SAL legend

Historical Significance

Early Roman provincial coinage in Illyricum. Shows transition from Greek civic to Roman imperial systems.

Section IV 25 Coins

Roman Imperial Mints of Illyricum

Imperial mints operating in Illyricum during late Roman period, primarily Siscia and Sirmium.

3rd–4th Century AD
Imperial Mints
High Volume Production

Siscia Mint Coins 76–85

76 β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†β˜†

Siscia – Tetrarchic Follis (Diocletian Era)

Date: Late 3rd–early 4th c. AD
Metal: AE (Bronze)
Weight: ~6–10 g
Diameter: ~23–29 mm
Mint: Siscia

Iconography

Obverse: Imperial portrait

Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI type

Historical Significance

Early follis coinage from major Illyrian mint. Shows Diocletian's monetary reforms and Illyricum's importance in late Roman economy.

Complete Coin Index (1–100)

1–25: Illyrian & Early Greek

  • 1. Monunius AR Stater
  • 2. Monunius AR Stater (Control-Mark)
  • 3. Monunius AR Drachm
  • 4. Mytilos AR Issue
  • 5. Lissus AE Bronze
  • 6. Scodra AE Bronze
  • 7. Rhizon Civic Issue
  • 8. Daorson AE Bronze
  • 9. Dardani AE Bronze
  • 10. Taulantii Imitative AR
  • 11. Illyrian Shield Bronze
  • 12. Thunderbolt Bronze
  • 13. Helmeted Head Bronze
  • 14. Coastal Trident Bronze
  • 15. Late Illyrian Transitional
  • 16. Dyrrhachium Drachm (Basic)
  • 17. Dyrrhachium (Philotas/Zopyros)
  • 18. Dyrrhachium (Zenon/Agathionos)
  • 19. Dyrrhachium (Star Control)
  • 20. Dyrrhachium (Corn-Ear Control)
  • 21. Dyrrhachium (Eagle Control)
  • 22. Dyrrhachium (Grapes Control)
  • 23. Dyrrhachium (Rudder Control)
  • 24. Dyrrhachium (Helios Control)
  • 25. Dyrrhachium (Owl Control)

26–50: Greek Cities

  • 26. Dyrrhachium (Monogram Magistrate)
  • 27. Dyrrhachium (Early Style)
  • 28. Dyrrhachium (Late Style)
  • 29. Dyrrhachium (Cow Right Standard)
  • 30. Dyrrhachium (Broad Flan Type)
  • 31. Dyrrhachium AE Bronze (Cow/Calf)
  • 32. Dyrrhachium AE Bronze (Apollo)
  • 33. Dyrrhachium AE Bronze (Wreath)
  • 34. Dyrrhachium AE Bronze (Club)
  • 35. Dyrrhachium AE Bronze (Star)
  • 36. Dyrrhachium (Roman Hoard Style)
  • 37. Dyrrhachium (Cow Left Rare)
  • 38. Dyrrhachium (Concave Square)
  • 39. Dyrrhachium (Retrograde Legend)
  • 40. Dyrrhachium (High Relief Cow)
  • 41. Dyrrhachium (Off-Center)
  • 42. Dyrrhachium (Magistrate Initials)
  • 43. Dyrrhachium (Two Control Marks)
  • 44. Dyrrhachium (Clear Ethnic)
  • 45. Dyrrhachium (Final Series)
  • 46. Apollonia Drachm (Basic)
  • 47. Apollonia (Aristen/Philodamos)
  • 48. Apollonia (Anchor Control)
  • 49. Apollonia (Grain Ear Control)
  • 50. Apollonia (Cow Left Variant)

51–75: Greek & Early Roman

  • 51. Apollonia (Concave Square)
  • 52. Apollonia (Monogram Magistrate)
  • 53. Apollonia (Broad Flan)
  • 54. Apollonia AE Bronze (Apollo)
  • 55. Apollonia AE Bronze (Tripod)
  • 56. Apollonia AE Bronze (Wreath)
  • 57. Apollonia AE Bronze (Star)
  • 58. Apollonia (Reduced Weight)
  • 59. Apollonia (Clean Ethnic)
  • 60. Apollonia (Late Pre-Imperial)
  • 61. Epidamnos Early Silver
  • 62. Orikos Coastal Bronze
  • 63. Issa Island Silver
  • 64. Pharos Hellenistic Bronze
  • 65. Lissus Civic Bronze
  • 66. Scodra Civic Bronze
  • 67. Rhizon Civic Issue
  • 68. Salona Pre-Imperial Bronze
  • 69. Adriatic Imitative Cow/Calf
  • 70. Balkan Hoard Imitation
  • 71. Salona (Augustus Provincial)
  • 72. Salona (Tiberius Bronze)
  • 73. Dalmatia (Claudius Civic)
  • 74. Dalmatia (Nero Provincial)
  • 75. Pannonia (Vespasian Bronze)

76–100: Roman Imperial

  • 76. Siscia Tetrarchic Follis
  • 77. Siscia Constantine Era Follis
  • 78. Siscia Late Roman AE3/AE2
  • 79. Sirmium Imperial Bronze
  • 80. Sirmium Constantine/Licinius AE
  • 81. Naissus Constantinian AE
  • 82. Salona Late Roman Bronze
  • 83. Sirmium Victory Types
  • 84. Siscia Two Victories Imitation
  • 85. Siscia AE2/AE1 Larger Bronze
  • 86. Pannonia Soldier Emperors
  • 87. Dalmatia Provincial Bronze
  • 88. Moesia Border Circulation
  • 89. Illyrian Emperors Era Bronze
  • 90. Constantine I Siscia Issue
  • 91. Licinius I Siscia Issue
  • 92. Crispus Siscia Issue
  • 93. Constantius II Balkan Mint
  • 94. Constans Balkan Mint
  • 95. Julian II Era Bronze
  • 96. Valentinian/Valens Era
  • 97. Theodosius Era Bronze
  • 98. Campgate Reverse Family
  • 99. FEL TEMP REPARATIO Family
  • 100. GLORIA EXERCITVS Family

Research Resources

Essential References

  • H. Ceka – "IlirΓ«t" (Illyrian archaeology)
  • M. R.-AlfΓΆldi – "Die Numismatik der Illyrer"
  • RPC Series – Roman Provincial Coinage
  • SNG ANS – Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum

Online Databases

  • Wildwinds – Illyrian section
  • ACSearch – Auction archives
  • NumisBids – Live auctions
  • FORVM – Reference images

Key Museums

  • National Historical Museum, Tirana
  • Archaeological Museum, Split
  • British Museum, London
  • Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna