Greek coins have fascinated historians and collectors for thousands of years. They represent the rich history and culture of Greece and show how money and trade developed in ancient times. These coins, ranging from tiny Obols to large Dekadrachms, were not just metal objects; they symbolized wealth and power in the ancient Greek economy. This article will explore the different Greek coin denominations, their weights, and their history.
Main Greek Coin Denominations
In most of Greece, the primary units of measure for Greek Coins were the Obol and the Drachma. Some regions used the bronze Onkia, where one Obol equaled about twelve Onkia. Greek coins were made of bronze, silver, and gold. Additionally, Greek Coins were often made from alloys like billon (40% silver, rest bronze) and electrum (30-50% silver, rest gold and tin). Due to inflation, the value of some coins changed over time, and some were even abandoned.
Bronze coins were often devalued; a small silver coin could be worth the same as a large bronze one. Bronze coins are marked with Æ followed by their size in millimeters. Greek silver coins were mainly divided into two sections, with the Drachma being the main unit of trade. Coins were valued based on Onkia or Obols, but the Drachma was the most trusted unit because of its weight and value. Silver coins were often labeled using Greek prefixes like hemi-, di-, tri-, tetra-, etc.
The earliest gold coins were minted by the Lydians and were known as Stater-Hekte. The Persians later introduced the Daric, a significant gold coin named after King Darius. Gold coins became more common during the Peloponnesian War, especially in Athens and Sicily.
Weight Standards and Economic Impact
Different regions had their own coin standards, which helped in trade. The Attic weight standard, which is about 17.2 grams of pure silver, was widely trusted. Coins minted using this standard circulated the most. Alexander the Great introduced this standard across his empire to ensure all coins could be valued equally.
Table of Greek Coin Standards
| Region/Standard | Base Denomination | Base Weight Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Achaean | Stater | 8.9g |
| Anginetan | Stater | 12.2g |
| Attic | Tetradrachm | 17.2g |
| Chian | Tetradrachm | 15.6g |
| Cistophoric | Tetradrachm | 12.6g |
| Corinthian | Stater | 8.6g |
| Euboean | Stater (Post Attic) | 17.2g |
| Milesian | Stater | 14.2g |
| Persian | Siglos/Tetradrachm | 8.35-8.55g/10.23g |
| Ptolemaic | Tetradrachm | 14.26/17.2g |
During times of crisis or change in authority, Greek Coins often lost weight and purity. Conquered nations were sometimes allowed to mint coins that met the standards of the ruling empire. Unfortunately, this could lead to economic issues, where coins lost their value in the market.
Conclusion
The fascinating world of Greek coin denominations reveals how trade and economics evolved in ancient Greece. The various standards and denominations illustrate the complexity of their monetary system and the importance of coinage in daily life. Understanding these Greek Coins gives us insight into the economic practices of ancient civilizations.
EDUCAL HOME
FAQs
1. What are the main denominations of Greek coins?
The main denominations include the Obol, Drachma, and Onkia.
2. What metals were Greek coins made from?
Greek coins were typically made from bronze, silver, and gold, as well as alloys like billon and electrum.
3. What is the Attic weight standard?
The Attic weight standard is a widely trusted measure that consists of about 17.2 grams of pure silver.
4. How did inflation affect Greek coinage?
Inflation caused some coins to lose value, leading to lower purity and devaluation of bronze coins compared to silver ones.
5. What was the significance of gold coins in Greece?
Gold coins became popular during the Peloponnesian War and were used to pay for expenses and duties.