Top 25 Ancient Greek Silver Coins
Top 25 Ancient Greek Silver Coins Every Collector Should Know
Why ancient Greek silver coins still capture our imagination? Well, there’s something timeless about holding an ancient Greek silver coin. It’s not just a piece of metal — it’s a snapshot of a forgotten city, a god worshipped by thousands, or a ruler’s rise to power. For collectors, these coins are part history, part art, and part treasure hunt.
In this list, we’ve gathered 25 of the most sought-after Greek silver coins. Each one has a story, a place of origin, and a legacy. Whether you’re just starting or looking to add something rare to your collection, this guide is a must-read.
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⚖️ What You’ll Find in This List
Each entry includes:
Coin name and issuing city
Metal type and average weight
Obverse and reverse designs
Estimated auction values
Why it’s notable for collectors
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🏛 Top 25 Ancient Greek Silver Coins
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1. Athenian Owl Tetradrachm
Minted in: Athens
Weight: Around 17.2g
Obverse: Athena in helmet
Reverse: Owl standing with olive branch, ΑΘΕ inscription
Value Range: $1,000–$10,000
Why it matters: The most famous ancient coin. Even beginners know the owl — it’s Athens in your palm.
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2. Corinthian Stater (Pegasus & Athena)
City: Corinth
Weight: ~8.5g
Obverse: Pegasus flying
Reverse: Athena in Corinthian helmet
Estimated Value: $1,500–$6,000
Collector insight: A classic design symbolizing Corinth’s naval strength.
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3. Alexander the Great Tetradrachm
Various mints: Amphipolis, Babylon, others
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Heracles in lion skin
Reverse: Zeus seated with eagle
Auction Range: $300–$4,000
Why it’s iconic: Struck across three continents — the ancient world’s dollar.
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4. Syracusan Tetradrachm (Arethusa Type)
Minted in: Syracuse, Sicily
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Chariot and driver
Reverse: Head of Arethusa surrounded by dolphins
Value: $3,000–$20,000
Note: These are considered masterpieces of ancient art.
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5. Philip II Tetradrachm
City: Amphipolis
Weight: ~14.3g
Obverse: Zeus enthroned
Reverse: Youth on horseback
Estimated Value: $500–$2,000
Legacy: The coinage that helped build Alexander’s empire.
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6. Naxos Tetradrachm (Dionysus & Silenus)
Mint: Naxos, Sicily
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Dionysus with ivy wreath
Reverse: Silenus squatting, drinking
Value: $10,000–$30,000
Why it’s collected: Rare, expressive — and a bit wild.
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7. Rhodes Tetradrachm
Minted in: Rhodes
Weight: ~13g
Obverse: Radiant head of Helios
Reverse: Rose with bud
Auction Range: $800–$3,000
Fun fact: A literal play on words — “rhodon” means rose.
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8. Theban Tetradrachm
City: Thebes
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Boeotian shield
Reverse: Amphora
Estimated Value: $2,000–$8,000
Collector’s take: A scarce and bold coin from a strong city-state.
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9. Aegina Sea Turtle
Minted in: Aegina
Weight: ~12g
Obverse: Sea turtle
Reverse: Incuse square
Value: $2,000–$6,000
Why collect: One of the earliest Greek coins ever minted.
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10. Ephesus Tetradrachm (Bee & Stag)
City: Ephesus
Weight: ~15g
Obverse: Bee
Reverse: Stag and palm
Auction Range: $800–$3,000
Symbolism: A tribute to Artemis and her temple.
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11. Knossos Didrachm (Labyrinth)
Minted in: Knossos, Crete
Weight: ~12g
Obverse: Labyrinth pattern
Reverse: Minotaur
Estimated Value: $2,500–$10,000
Why it stands out: Straight from Greek mythology.
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12. Delos Tetradrachm (Apollo)
City: Delos
Weight: ~15g
Obverse: Apollo
Reverse: Lyre
Value: $1,000–$4,000
Cultural meaning: Spiritual center of the ancient Aegean.
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13. Tarentum Nomos (Boy on Dolphin)
Mint: Tarentum, Southern Italy
Weight: ~7.5g
Obverse: Youth riding dolphin
Reverse: Horseman
Auction Value: $1,200–$5,000
What collectors love: Unique maritime theme.
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14. Larissa Drachm
City: Larissa, Thessaly
Weight: ~12g
Obverse: Nymph Larissa
Reverse: Grazing horse
Estimated Value: $1,800–$6,000
Art appeal: Striking natural portrait and movement.
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15. Tenedos Didrachm (Janiform Head)
Mint: Tenedos
Weight: ~9g
Obverse: Janiform male/female
Reverse: Helmeted warrior
Value Range: $5,000–$15,000
Uniqueness: Among the most visually distinct coins of the era.
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16. Chios Tetradrachm (Sphinx)
City: Chios
Weight: ~15g
Obverse: Sphinx
Reverse: Amphora and grape bunch
Auction Estimate: $2,000–$8,000
Why it’s rare: Myth, trade, and island identity in one coin.
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17. Thasos Tetradrachm (Dionysus & Heracles)
Minted in: Thasos
Weight: ~16g
Obverse: Dionysus
Reverse: Heracles
Value: $500–$2,000
Why collectors like it: Easy to find, rich in symbolism.
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18. Abdera Tetradrachm (Griffin)
Mint: Abdera, Thrace
Weight: ~15g
Obverse: Griffin
Reverse: Inscribed square
Auction Range: $1,500–$6,000
Standout trait: A bold mythical beast in ancient art.
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19. Myrina Tetradrachm (Apollo Gryneios)
Mint: Myrina
Weight: ~16g
Obverse: Apollo
Reverse: Laurel tree
Estimated Value: $1,800–$4,500
Visual appeal: Fine classical-style portraiture.
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20. Segesta Tetradrachm (Hound & Nymph)
City: Segesta
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Hunting dog
Reverse: Female head
Value: $4,000–$10,000
Why it’s admired: Emotionally expressive and beautifully engraved.
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21. Parion Drachm (Gorgoneion)
Minted in: Parion
Weight: ~3.2g
Obverse: Gorgoneion (Medusa)
Reverse: Bull
Price Range: $600–$2,000
Uniqueness: A powerful protective design.
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22. Akanthos Tetradrachm (Lion & Bull)
City: Akanthos
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Lion attacking bull
Reverse: Incuse square
Auction Value: $2,000–$7,000
Why collect it: Raw action, frozen in silver.
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23. Kalchedon Tetradrachm (Cow & Grain)
Mint: Kalchedon
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Cow walking
Reverse: Grain ear
Value: $1,500–$5,000
Meaning: Agricultural and fertility symbolism.
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24. Carystus Tetradrachm (Bull Head)
City: Carystus, Euboea
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Bull’s head
Reverse: Incuse
Auction Range: $2,000–$6,000
Why it’s rare: Very few survive — great for advanced collectors.
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25. Messana Tetradrachm (Chariot & Dolphin)
Mint: Messana, Sicily
Weight: ~17g
Obverse: Charioteer with horses
Reverse: Dolphin and trident
Value Range: $4,000–$15,000
Legacy: A city of wealth, reflected in powerful iconography.
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✅ Final Thoughts
This list is more than a guide — it’s a roadmap through the ancient Greek world. Each coin you collect adds a piece to the story, whether it’s a sea turtle from Aegina or a god from Delos.
🔗 Explore the full Ancient Coin Catalogue
📥 Or Download this guide as a PDF
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