According to the World History Encyclopedia, coins were introduced around the 6th or 5th century BC. It’s suspected that the first coins were minted in Greece or Lydia, in modern Turkey, but there is a lot of mystery about the true origins of coins.
The coins were minted to be used for trade. Some merchants may have minted coins, but most were minted by the leaders of their respective countries. Some believe that this coinage transformed the Greek economy and society. People began thinking about finances in a new way. Wealth could be more easily measured with the invention of coins. When you buy coins online, it is important to deal with a reputable dealer that authenticates ancient coins. Here’s what to know about ancient Greek and Roman coins for sale.
Ancient Greece Coins
The oldest coin in the world, known as the Lydian Lion, is housed in the British Museum. It’s around 2,600 years old. It’s estimated to have been minted around 600 BC by the Lydian kings. It features a roaring lion, which was their emblem. It was made of a gold and silver alloy known as electrum. Later, electrum would be replaced by coins made of pure gold and silver. Although many ancient coins have been found outside of local circulation, this coin was found in modern-day Turkey, close to where it would have been minted. Colonial Acres Coins offers old Canadian coins for sale, but none have the history of Ancient Greek coins.
Each Greek city minted its own coinage at first, but as coins became more common, the coins were minted to a weight standard. In Athens, coins were minted to weight and purity standards, which made these coins especially desirable, since they could be trusted. With each evolution of coinage, coins became more standard and well designed. Ancient Greek coins often featured ancient gods or goddesses on the obverse, with a symbol for the city in which the coin was minted on the other side.
What's the Thracian Chersonesos Lion Coin?
The Thracian Chersonesos was a region located on what today is called the Gallipoli Peninsula. In ancient times, it was a wheat-producing area on one of the major trade routes between Asia and Europe, so many travellers came through its cities each year. The Chersonesos hemidrachm from 386-338 BC is one of the most commonly collected early coins. It features a lion that appears to have its head reversed. This coin is more common than most people realize, considering its age. It’s a great starter coin for any ancient coin collection.
The Greek monetary system based its coins on the drachma. The obol was one-sixth unit of drachma. The hemidrachm was a coin denomination worth ½ drachm or 3 obols. The imagery on the coins often referred to myths of the community or local heroes. Many ancient citizens didn’t read, but they could understand the images on the coins. The hemidrachm often featured a distinctive shield that symbolized the city where the coin was produced.
The oldest coin in the world, known as the Lydian Lion, is housed in the British Museum. It’s around 2,600 years old. It’s estimated to have been minted around 600 BC by the Lydian kings. It features a roaring lion, which was their emblem. It was made of a gold and silver alloy known as electrum. Later, electrum would be replaced by coins made of pure gold and silver. Although many ancient coins have been found outside of local circulation, this coin was found in modern-day Turkey, close to where it would have been minted. Colonial Acres Coins offers old Canadian coins for sale, but none have the history of Ancient Greek coins.
Each Greek city minted its own coinage at first, but as coins became more common, the coins were minted to a weight standard. In Athens, coins were minted to weight and purity standards, which made these coins especially desirable, since they could be trusted. With each evolution of coinage, coins became more standard and well designed. Ancient Greek coins often featured ancient gods or goddesses on the obverse, with a symbol for the city in which the coin was minted on the other side.
What Was Happening in the Greek World Around 386 to 338 BCE?
The Greek classical period began in around 423 BCE. This period ushered in democracy to Athens. It was a period of new philosophies and art. Socrates and Plato founded the Academy, the first institution of higher education in the world. Aristotle would begin to tutor the future king, Alexander the Great, who expanded the Greek empire throughout the Middle East. Coins for sale from this period are highly collectible because they are part of the heritage of this time period.
Ancient Judaea Roman Procurators
In 323 BCE, Alexander the Great died. He died without a clear successor, which allowed his strongest leaders to divide up the vast territory that he had conquered. Over three centuries, the Greek influence declined, while the ancient Romans gained power. Although Athens fell to Roman troops in 86 BCE, the Romans respected Greek culture, continuing to emulate and copy many of the Greek traditions.
The Romans appointed Prefects or Procurators to rule Judea. There were 14 of these men who ruled, but only six of them minted coins for use. The most commonly minted coin of the era was the Prutah, which was usually made of bronze.
Antonius Felix
Felix ruled Judea under Emperor Claudius from AD 52-59. He is mentioned in the Bible in Acts 24, when attempting to procure a bribe from the Apostle Paul. Felix’s reign was marked by corruption, but he escaped punishment for his crimes because his elder brother had favour with Claudius. This coin, minted during his service, features crossed ears of grain.
It is a highly collectible coin that recognizes Felix, the man who left the Apostle Paul imprisoned when he left service to return to Rome as a favour to the Jewish establishment. Other coins issued during his service featured two spears and two shields crossed. It was a reminder to the Jews that they were under the rule of the Romans.
Festus was the procurator who followed Felix. Festus is also mentioned in the Bible as the man who sent Paul directly to Rome, so he could appeal to Nero. His decision to send Paul to Rome ultimately led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, and his coinage serves as a testament to the political and economic policies of the time.
The rarity and historical significance of Festus' coin makes it a highly prized addition to any ancient coin collection. Although Festus only served as a procurator for two years, he issued one coin that mentioned Nero and Caesar.
Colonial Acres Coins has many Canadian coins for sale online to add to your collection, but if you’re looking for something extremely old, browse through our selection of ancient Greek and Roman coins. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect addition to your collection.
