AFFORDABLE Ancient Greek and Roman COINS from circa 400BC-100AD
Guide & Collection of Ancient Coins that can be Bought Relatively Cheap on eBay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB4suTgOY3I
You can be really amazed once you know the truth that ancient Greek coins can be purchased very inexpensively here on eBay. The coins in this guide are in my store called Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins. The idea behind it is to help you learn the types of coins available out there and what you can almost expect from the selection. Bronze coins were struck in order to facilitate trade as you needed to get this "change" from the higher denomination gold and silver coins. However, upon studying the topic, some ancient Greek towns, rarely if ever struck any coins in silver and gold, but only in bronze. So it is possible that you can get a really valuable coin in bronze. Numismatic coin collecting is more interested in the history and the beauty rather than the metal content alone. There are over 45 different coin types listed below, and in order to make this article as brief as possible only several of the types are shown here, however, when you click on the picture of each coin, you will be able to see the coins in my eBay store and explore more. They are arranged from the lowest priced coins to my higher priced coins. The better the condition, usually, the higher price an ancient commands. I tried my best to only include coins that you can buy for $100, $50 or even as low as about $20 here, so even though they may not win beauty contests, these are incredible value for the money.
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ABDERA THRACE - Genuine 345BC Apollo Griffin Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60582
Greek city of Abdera in Thrace Bronze 15mm (3.67 grams) Struck circa 345-323 B.C. Reference: Strack 216 var.; SNGCop 374 var. Griffin seated right on club; legend for magistrate below. ABΔHPITEΩN, Head of Apollo right within square border.
AIGAI in Aiolis 2nd Cent BC Hermes & Goat Quality Ancient Greek Coin i31836
Greek city of Aigai in Aiolis Bronze 13mm (2.75 grams) Struck circa 2nd-1st centuries B.C. Reference: SNG München -; SNG Copenhagen 14; SNG von Aulock - Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos. Forepart of goat right; monograms above and to right, ΑΙΓΑΕΩN in exergue. An inland town on the river Pythikos, south-east of Myrina. Symbols of Hermes were the palm tree, turtle, rooster, goat, the number four, several kinds of fish, incense. Sacrifices involved honey, cakes, pigs, goats, and lambs.
ALEXANDER III the Great 323BC Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin SHIELD HELMET i61361
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Alexander III the Great - King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 16mm (4.06 grams) Struck circa: 323-315 B.C. Reference: HGC 3, 958; Price 2063-2070, 3157-3159, 3161-3162; Macedonian shield with gorgoneion in central boss. B-A, Macedonian helmet. Best known as Alexander the Great, he was a king (basileus in Greek) of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia. He was born in the city of Pella in 356 BC. By age 20, Alexander succeeded his father Philip II to the throne as king. He spent most of his years as king in an unprecedented military campaign of conquest through Asia, northeast Africa and even reached India. By age 30 he created one of the biggest empires in the ancient world, reaching from Greece to northwestern India. Being undefeated in battle, many consider him as one of history's most successful military commanders. He could be considered one of history's most important figures, having spread the Greek civilization far and wide, and was even admired by Julius Caesar along with many other important historical personages as well.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 325BC Hercules Club Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin i59623
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Alexander III the Great - King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 18mm (4.87 grams) Mint in Macedonia. Struck circa 325-310 B.C. Reference: Price 377; cf. Sear 6742 var. Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress. Weapons of Hercules, bow in quiver above, club (facing left) below; BA between; branch below.
ALEXANDER III the GREAT 336BC LIFETIME Apollo Horse Ancient Greek Coin i60533
Greek Coin of Macedonian Kingdom Alexander III the Great - King of Macedonia: 336-323 B.C. Bronze 15mm (2.46 grams) Pella or possibly Aigai mint, struck 336-323 B.C. Reference: HGC 3, 928; Price 338-370; Sear 6744 cf.; Forrer/Weber 2150 cf. Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Horse prancing right; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ above.
AMISOS in PONTUS MITHRADATES VI the GREAT Time Perseus Pegasus Greek Coin i60568
Greek city of Amisos in Pontus Bronze 26mm (12.63 grams) Struck under Mithradates VI the Great circa 105-90 B.C. or circa 90-85 B.C. Reference: HGC 7, 239; SNG Black Sea 1212-1217; Sear 3639; B.M.C. 13.18,61 Head of Perseus right, wearing Phrygian helmet. Pegasus standing left, drinking; in exergue, ΑΜΙΣΟΥ and two monograms. Amisos was a flourishing Greek city on the Black Sea coast commanding an important trade route to the south, Amisos was founded in the 6th century B.C. It was re-settled by Athenians in the following century and they renamed the place Peiraeus.
AMPHIPOLIS in Macedonia 146BC RARE R2 Ancient Greek Coin POSEIDON & HORSE i61813
Greek city of Amphipolis in Macedonia Bronze 18mm (5.14 grams) Struck circa 146-31 B.C. Reference: HGC 3, 424 Rare R2; SNGCop 67; Moushmov 5987; AMNG III.2, no 39 Diademed head of Poseidon right wearing tainia. ΑΜΦΙΠΟ / ΛΙΤΩΝ above and below horse galloping right. Amphipolis, a town in Macedonia on the left or eastern bank of the river Strymon, just below its egress from the lake Cercinities, and about 3 miles from the sea. The Strymon flowed almost around the town, nearly forming a circle, whence its name Amphipolis. It was originally called "the Nine Ways" and belonged to the Edonians, a Thracian people. Aristagoras of Miletos first attempted to colonize it, but was cut off with his followers by the Edonians in B.C. 497. The Athenians made a next attempt with 10,000 colonists, but they were all destroyed by the Edonians in 465. In 437 the Athenians were more successful, and drove the Edonians out of the "Nine Ways," which was henceforth called Amphipolis. It was one of the most important of the Athenian possessions, being advantageously situated for trade on a navigable river in the midst of a fertile country, and near the gold mines of Mount Pangaeus. Hence the indignation of the Athenians when it fell in to the hands of Spartan general Brasidas (B.C. 424) and of Philip II of Macedon (B.C. 358). Under the Romans it was a free city, the capital of Macedonia prima: the Via Egnatia ran through it. The port of Amphipolis was Eion.
Antigonos II Gonatas 274BC Macedonia Ancient Greek Coin ATHENA PAN TROPHY i62226
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Antigonos II Gonatas - King: 277-239 B.C. Bronze 15mm (3.82 grams) Struck circa 274-239 B.C. Reference: Sear 6786; HGC 3, 1049; SNG Copenhagen 1205-1211 Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet. Pan advancing right, erecting trophy of Galatian arms; B-A in upper field; ANTI monogram beneath Pan. The English word panic is derived from the Greek deity Pan. It is said that Pan helped the Macedonian army in the battle that Antigonos had with the Gauls in 277 B.C. at the "Battle of Lysimacheia" and thus is shown on his coins erecting a trophy. Antigonos II, Gonatas was son of Demetrios Poliorketes, and grandson of the preceding. He assumed the title of king of Macedonia after his father's death in Asia in B.C. 283, but he did not obtain possession of the throne until 277 after achieving a notable victory over the Gallic invaders in Thrace. He was driven out of his kingdom by Pyrrhos, and again recovered his dominions. He attempted to prevent the formation of the Achaean league, and died 239. His surname Gonatas is usually derived from Gonnos or Gonni in Thessaly; but some think that Gonatas is a Macedonian word, signifying an iron plate protecting the knee. The Macedonian kingdom prospered again under his long and enlightened rule.
ANTIOCHOS II Theos 261BC Seleukid Tripod Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i62193
Seleukid Kindom Antiochos II Theos - King: 261-246 B.C. Bronze 16mm (4.44 grams) Struck circa 261-246 B.C. Reference: HGC 9, 253; SC 520, 522-527, and 537-538 Laureate head of Apollo right. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ANTIOXOY either side of tripod; anchor in exergue; monograms in field to left and right. Antiochos II Theos (B.C. 261-246), son and successor of Antiochos I Soter to the throne of the Seleukid Kindom. The Milesians gave him his surname of Theos, because he delivered them from their tyrant, Timarchus. He carried on war with Ptolemy Philadelphos, king of Egypt, which was brought to a close by his putting away his wife Laodice, and marrying Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy. After the death of Ptolemy, he recalled Laodice, but in revenge for the insultshe had received, she caused Antiochos and Berenice to be murdered. During the reign of Antiochos, Arsaces founded the Parthian Empire (250 B.C.), and Theodotus established an independent kingdom in Baktria. He was succeeded by his son Seleukos Callinicus. His younger son Antiochos Hierax also assumed the crown, and carried on war some years with his brother.
ANTIOCHOS III Megas 223BC Seleukid Apollo Tripod RARE R1 - R2 Greek Coin i60536
Seleukid Empire Antiochos III, Megas - King: 222-187 B.C. Bronze 13mm (3.77 grams) Sardeis mint: 223-187 B.C. Reference: HGC 9, 518 Rare R1-R2; SC 983 Laureate head of Apollo right. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ANTIOXOY either side of Apollo standing left, holding arrow held in right hand, left elbow resting on tall tripod; monograms in field to left and right.
AUGUSTUS 27BC Amphipolis Macedonia Artemis Bull Ancient Roman Coin i60576
Augustus - Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. - 14 A.D. Bronze 19mm (6.69 grams) of Amphipolis in Macedonia Reference: RPC I 1629; SNG ANS 160; SNG Copenhagen -; cf. Sear GIC 29 KAIΣΑΡOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, Bare head of Augustus right. ΑΜΦΙΠΟΛEΙΤΩΝ, Artemis Tauropolos riding a bull right, holding a veil over her head.
AUGUSTUS Victory Over Julius Caesar Assassins Brutus & Cassius Roman Coin i60506
Augustus - Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. - 14 A.D. Bronze 16mm (3.60 grams) from the city of Philippi in Northern Greece, Macedonia circa 27 B.C.-10 B.C. Reference: Sear GIC 32; B.M.C.5.98,23 VIC.-AVG. either side of Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm. COHOR. PRAE. PHIL., Three legionary standards. Commemorates the battle of Philippi, 42 B.C., in which Octavian and Antony defeated the Republican tyrannicides Brutus and Cassius, who subsequently committed suicide. Augustus later settled the veterans of a Praetorian Cohort at Philippi, and he conferred upon them the right to mint coins, of which this is an example. The images on this coin presumably refer to the Emperor's above described victory in 42 BC. The winged victory standing representing the cosmos. Such a coin is delivering, without words but in clear images that everyone would have understood, the message that Augustus now rules the world. All the old political institutions were re-established and the "dignity" of the Senate was restored, but actual power was now in the hands of one man alone.
AUGUSTUS 27BC Philippi Macedonia PRIESTS Founding City Oxen Roman Coin i59410
Augustus - Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. - 14 A.D. Bronze 17mm (5.39 grams) Mint of Philippi (ostensibly) in Macedonia Reference: Varbanov 3226; RPC I 1656 Bare head of Augustus right, AVG behind. Two priests (pontiffs) plowing pomerium right with two oxen.
Carthage in Zeugitana 400BC Tanit Cult & Horse Rare Ancient Greek Coin i58781
Greek city of Carthage in Zeugitana Bronze 15mm (4.21 grams) Struck 400-350 B.C. Reference: Alexandropoulos 15a; SNG Copenhagen 97; Müller - Head of Tanit left, wreathed with corn. Horse galloping right; ground line beneath.
DEMETRIOS I Poliorketes MACEDONIA King Shield Helmet Ancient Greek Coin i60574
Macedonian Kingdom Demetrios I, Poliorketes - King: 294-288 B.C. Bronze 15mm (4.86 grams) Pella mint, circa 306-283 B.C. Reference: Sear 6774; Newell 132; SNG Alpha Bank 969 Macedonian shield , with monogram of Demetrios at center. BA ΣΙ either side of crested Macedonian helmet, in field to left, anchor. Son of Antigonos the One-eyed, Demetrios Poliorketes (the 'Besieger') was a romantic character who pursued a most colorful career spanning more than three decades. In his earlier years he assisted his father, whose power was centered in Asia Minor, and in 306 he achieved a great naval victory over Ptolemy of Egypt, in the battle of Salamis, off the coast of Cyprus. After many vicissitudes he seized the Macedonian throne in 294, although he reigned for only six years the dynasty which he founded lasted until the end of the Macedonian Kingdom. He died as a captive in Syria in 283 B.C.
ELAIA in AEOLIS 2-1CenBC Demeter Torch Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i61539
Greek city of Elaia in Aeolis Bronze 13mm (3.85 grams) Struck 2nd-1st centuries B.C. Reference: Sear 4206; B.M.C. 17.127,20 Head of Demeter right, wreathed with corn. Torch; EΛ - AI / T - ΩΝ; all within corn wreath.
EPHESOS in IONIA Genuine 387BC Bee Female Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i59663
Greek city of Ephesos in Ionia Bronze 10mm (1.00 grams) Struck circa 387-295 B.C. Reference: Sear 4409; B.M.C. 14.55,68-70; SNG von Aulock 1839; SNG Copenhagen 256 Female head, possibly of Artemis left. Bee; E - Φ in upper field. Situated at the mouth of the river Kayster, Ephesos was founded by Ionian colonists under Androklos. It rose to be a place of great importance in Classical and Hellenistic times, due in the main to the illustrious sanctuary of the Ephesian Artemis dating from the time of Kroisos of Lydia. After the end of the Pergamene Kingdom in 133 B.C. Ephesos passed under the rule of the Romans.
Hermocapelia in Lydia time of Hadrian 117AD Greek Coin Roman Senate Roma i45218
Greek city of Hermocapelia in Lydia Bronze 15mm (2.73 grams) struck during the time of Hadrian circa 117-138 A.D. Reference: Sear GIC 5019; B.M.C. 22.99,7; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 2947 ΙЄPA CYNKΛHΤOC, Draped bust of the Roman Senate right. ЄΡΜΟΚΑΠΗΛΙΤΩΝ, Turreted and draped bust of Roma right, monogram before. Hermocapelia. This town is identified with the modern Geukche-keui on the north side of the Hyrcanian plain, a few miles south-west of Apollonis.
KASSANDER killer of Alexander the Great's FAMILY Ancient Greek Coin Horse i60963
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Kassander - Regent: 317-306 B.C. & King: 306-297 B.C. Bronze 22mm (6.84 grams) Pella mint, struck circa 305-297 B.C. Reference: Sear 6754; HGC 3, 992; SNG Alpha Bank I, nos. 930-931 Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion's skin headdress. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / KAΣΣAΝΔΡΟΥ above and beneath nude youth riding horse prancing right, holding palm branch. Kassander, son of Antipater. His father, on his death-bed (B.C. 319), appointed Polysperchon regent, and conferred upon Kassander only the secondary dignity of Chiliarch (cavalry commander). Being dissatisfied with this arrangement, Kassander strengthened himself by an alliance with Ptolemy and Antigonos, and entered into war with Polysperchon. In 318 B.C., Kassander obtained possession of Athens and most of the cities in the south of Greece. In 317 he was recalled to Macedonia to oppose Olympias (mother of Alexander III, the Great). He kept her besieged in Pydna throughout the winter of 317, and on her surrender in the spring of the ensuing year, he put her to death. The way now seemed open to him to the throne of Macedonia. He placed Roxana (wife of Alexander III, the Great) and her young son, Alexander (IV) Aegus (son of Alexander III, the Great), in custody at Amphipolis, not thinking it safe as yet to murder them; and he connected himself with the regal family by marriage with Thessalonica, half-sister of Alexander the Great. He founded the city of Thessalonica in her honor in 315. In 315 Kassander joined Seleukos I, Ptolemy I, and Lysimachos in their war against Antigonos I, Monophthalmus, of whose power they had all become jealous. This was was upon the whole unfavorable to Kassander, who lost most of the cities in Greece. By the general peace of 311, it was provided that Kassander was to retain his authority in Europe until Alexander Aegus should be grown to manhood. Kassander thereupon put to death the young king and his mother Roxana. In 310 the war was renewed, and Heracles, the son of Alexander III by his mistress Barsine, was brought forward by Polysperchon as a claimant to the Macedonian throne; but Kassander bribed Polysperchon to murder the young prince and his mother in 309. In 306 Kassander took the title of king, when it was assumed by Antigonos I, Lysimachos, and Ptolemy I. In the following years, Demetrios Poliorketes, the son of Antigonos I, carried on the war in Greece with great success against Kassander; but in 302 Demetrios was obliged to pass into Asia, to support his father; and next year, 301, the decisive battle of Ipsus was fought, in which Antigonos I and Demetrios were defeated, and the former slain, and which gave Kassander Macedonia and Greece. Kassander died of dropsy in 297, and was succeed by his son Philip IV.
Krannon in Thessaly 400BC Horseman Water Jug Hydria Ancient Greek Coin i58939
Greek city of Krannon in Thessaly Bronze 16mm (4.21 grams) Struck circa 400-344 B.C. Reference: Sear 2073 var.; HGC 4, 385 Horseman galloping right. Hydria, mounted on wheels. The city was near the source of the river Onchestos. People of Krannon held Poseidon in high regard. The city derived it's name from the various springs in the area (called kranna in Aiolic Greek). The city had an abundance of sheep and horses grazing in the plains which brought it great wealth. In times of drought, they had a hydria on wheels which they paraded through the city accompanied by prayers to Apollo, which it was famous for. There was also a temple of Athena and Asclepius in the city.
KYME in AEOLIS - Genuine 350BC Horse & Vase Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60520
Greek city of Kyme in Aeolis Bronze 15mm (3.02 grams) Struck circa 350-250 B.C. Reference: Sear 4188 var.; B.M.C. 17.108, 40 var. Forepart of prancing horse right, KY above, magistrate's name below. One-handled vase; monogram to left. By far the most important of the Aiolian coastal cities, Kyme was situated southwest of Myrina. For much of its history it was dominated by great powers - Athens, the Hellenistic Kingdoms and, finally, Rome.
THESSALIAN LEAGUE Larissa 196BC Greek Coin ATHENA APOLLO Healer Cult i43386
Greek city of Larissa in Thessaly under Thesssalian League Bronze Dichalkon 17mm (4.24 grams) Struck Late 2nd - mid 1st century B.C. Ippaitas, magistrate Reference: Rogers 44 ΙΠΠΑI-ΤΑΣ above and below head of Athena in Corinthian helmet right. ΘΕΣΣΑΛΩΝ above and beneath horse galloping right. Larissa was an important town of Thessaly, in Pelasgiotis, situated on the Peneios river, in an extensive plain. It was once the capital of the Pelasgi, and had a democratic constitution, but subsequently became subject to the Macedonians. It retained its importance under the Romans, and after the time of Constantine the Great, became the capital of the province of Thessaly. This city was named after a local water nymph named Larissa. The story goes that the nymph drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios River. In Greek mythology, the Greek hero Perseus accidentally killed his grandfather, King Akrisios of Argos when participating in the funeral games held in the city for nymph Larissa. The people of that city made their wealth from the rich agricultural area around the city and from breeding horses.
Lysimacheia in Thrace 309BC Ancient Greek Coin Young Hercules NIke Cult i37469
Greek city of Lysimacheia in Thrace Bronze 19mm (3.76 grams) Struck 309-281 B.C. Head of young Hercules right, in lion's skin. ΛYΣΙΜΑ / XΕΩΝ either side of Nike standing facing, holding wreath and palm. Founded by Lysimachos in 309 B.C., close to the site of Kardia which he had destroyed. This city became the principal residence and European mint of the King of Thrace.
LYSIMACHOS 297BC Thrace King Hercules Wreath Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60831
Greek Coin of Kingdom of Thrace Lysimachos - King: 323-281 B.C. - Bronze 14mm (2.35 grams) Struck in the Kingdom of Thrace circa 297-281 B.C. Reference: Sear 6822; Muller, pl. II,14; Forrer/Weber 2735 Head of young Hercules right, clad in lion's skin. BAΣΙ / ΛΥΣI within corn-wreath. One of the most remarkable of the 'Successors' of Alexander, Lysimachos was of Thessalian stock and was a bodyguard of the great Macedonian King. In the confused period following Alexander's death he obtained the government of Thrace, and in 309 B.C. founded his capital city of Lysimacheia where many of his coins were struck. In 305 B.C. he took the title of King, and four years later extended his rule over much of Asia Minor following the defeat of Antigonos the One-eyed at Ipos. His later years were marred by domestic tragedy and his harsh rule made him unpopular with his subjects. In 281 B.C. Lysimachos, now aged 80, was attacked by Seleukos of Syria who was only two years his junior. Lysimachos died fighting at the battle of Korupedion and his kingdom disappeared with him. But his memory lived on and generations later a number of mints in the Black Sea area restored his coin types for their autonomous issues.
Maroneia in Thrace 148BC Ancient Greek Coin Nude Dionysos Wine God i31739
Greek city of Maroneia in Thrace Bronze 18mm (5.24 grams) Struck circa 148-80 B.C. Reference: Moushmov 3942 Wreathed head of Dionysos. MAPΩNITΩN, nude Dionysus standing left holding bunch of grapes and thyrsos. Maroneia, a town on the south coast of Thrace, situated on the north bank of the lake Ismaris and on the river Sthenas, more anciently called Ortagurea. It belonged originally to the Cicones, but afterwards received colonists from Chios. It was celebrated for its excellent wine, which even Homer mentions. The city boasted a sanctuary of Dionysus, the Roman equivalent of Bacchus, the god of wine. Dionysus was represented, along with his symbol of bunches of grapes on the city's coins.
MARONEIA Thrace 400BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin w HORSE & WINE GRAPES i62203
Greek city of Maroneia in Thrace Bronze 15mm (3.38 grams) Struck 400-350 B.C. Reference: Sear 1636; B.M.C. 3.65 Horse prancing right; monogram beneath. ΜΑΡΩΝΙΤΩΝ around three sides of linear square containing vine; monogram beneath.
MESEMBRIA in THRACE Black Sea Area Athena Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i59513
Greek city of Mesembria in Thrace Bronze 18mm (5.08 grams) Struck circa 275-175 B.C. Reference: Sear 1676; B.M.C. 3.8-10; Topalov, Messambria 16; SNG BM Black Sea 280-3; SNG Stancomb 235; SNG Copenhagen 661 Diademed female head right. METAM / BRIANΩN either side of Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing spear and holding shield. An important colony of Megara, Mesembria was situated on the Black Sea coast, north of Apollonia Pontika.
ODESSOS in THRACE 270BC Great God Derzelas on Horse Ancient Greek Coin i59533
Greek city of Odessos in Thrace Bronze 19mm (6.33 grams) Struck circa 270-188 B.C. Reference: Moushmov 1527; Topalov, Odesos pp. 177-8, 3 and 5 var.; SNG Stancomb 264 var. Laureate head of the Great God Derzelas right.
Oiniadai in Akarnania 219BC Zeus Man-Headed River Bull Ancient Greek Coin i60644
Greek city of Oiniadai in Akarnania Bronze 22mm (6.05 grams) Struck circa 219-211 B.C. Reference: HGC 4, 899; Sear 2298 var.; BMC Central, pp. 189-190, nos. 6-14; BCD Akarnania 345-352 Laureate head of Zeus right. OINIAΔAN, Bearded head of river-god Achelous right. In the extreme south of the country, near the mouth of the Achelous, Oiniadai was close to the Aitolian border. Heros, the Rider God of Odessos, riding right on high stepping horse, OΔHΣITΩN in exergue. 
OLYNTHOS MACEDONIA 420BC Chalkidian League Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO LYRE i49241
Greek city of Olynthos in Macedonia for the Chalkidian League Bronze 14mm (3.50 grams) Struck circa 420-348 B.C. Reference: Sear 1433; HGC 3, 511; B.M.C. 5.31; Cf. Robinson-Clement Group M; SNG ANS 552 Laureate head of Apollo right. XAΛKIΔΕΩΝ, Lyre. A colony of Chalkis, Olynthos became the center of opposition to Athenian imperialism in the North, and was the headquarters of the Chalkidian League formed circa 432 B.C. The city was captured and destroyed by Philip II, king of Macedon, in 348 B.C.
PELLA Macedonia Original 146BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin ATHENA & BULL i60795
Greek city of Pella in Macedonia Bronze 19mm (7.88 grams) Struck circa 148-31 B.C. Reference: Sear 1446; HGC 3, 615; Moushmov 6453; SNGCop 266ff; SNG ANS 7, nos. 598-617 Helmeted head of Athena Parthenos right ΠEΛ-ΛHΣ, bull (ox) grazing right. Founded by king Archelaus I of Macedonia (B.C. 413-399 B.C.) as a new capital to replace the older palace-city of Aigai (Vergina). It became the official capital and residence of the all the kings of Macedonia until about 167 B.C. Pella was in the Macedonian district of Bottiaea, was situated upon a hill, and upon a lake formed by the river Lydias, 120 stadia from its mouth. It continued to be a place of small importance until the time of Philip II, who made it his residence and capital of the Macedonian monarchy, and adorned it with many public buildings. It is frequently mentioned by subsequent writers on account of its being the birth-place of Alexander the Great. The original name of Pella was Bounomos ("Grazing Ox"), and is alluded to on some of the coins from the city with the grazing bull (ox). The coin types featuring Athena borrowed her image from issues of "new-style" coinage of Athens. Other imagery of various gods/goddesses on its coins were adopted from the royal coinages of previous kings. It was the capital of the one of the 4 districts into which Romans divided Macedonia, and was subsequently made a Roman colony under the name of Col. Jul. Aug. Pella. By around 180 A.D., Roman writer, Lucian described it in passing as "now insignificant, with very few inhabitants".
PERGAMON in MYSIA 133BC Athena Trophy Helmet Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60791
Greek city of Pergamon in Mysia Bronze 18mm (5.80 grams) Struck circa 150-50 B.C. Reference: Sear 3960; B.M.C. 15. 112,22-3 Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet. AΘΗΝΑΣ / ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ either side of trophy. Situated in the Kaikos valley, about 15 miles from the coast, Pergamon was a city of uncertain origin and of no great importance before the time of Alexander the Great. In the 3rd century B.C. it became the center of the independent kingdom ruled by the Attalid dynasty founded by Philetairos. The city was extended and beautified as the prosperity of the kingdom increased, and by the late Hellenistic times Pergamon ranked as one of the great cultural centers of the Greek world. After the end of the kingdom, 133 B.C., Pergamon became capital of the Roman province of Asia.
Perseus Macedonian King 179BC Ancient Greek Coin Eagle Hero Perseus i31734
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Perseus - King: 179-168 B.C. Bronze 18mm (5.30 grams) Struck in Macedonia circa 179-168 B.C. Reference: Sear 6807, SNGCop 1279, Forrer/Weber 2222, var. Head of the hero Perseus right, wearing winged cap terminating in bird's head, harpa behind neck. Eagle, wings open, standing left on thunderbolt, head right; BA above, ΠEP monogram to left. * Numismatic Note: It is interesting to note that the same hero, Perseus whom, according to mythology, founded Macedonia has the same name as the last king of Macedonia. The eldest son of Philip V, Perseus was the last king of Macedon. He inherited a kingdom already largely dependent on Rome, but his policies aroused Roman suspicions and armed conflict became inevitable. At the battle of Pydna, in 168 B.C., Perseus lost his kingdom and he died two years later as an exile in Italy. 
PHILADELPHIA in LYDIA 2-1CenBC Macedonian Shield Thunderbolt Greek Coin i61743
Greek city of Philadelphia in Lydia Bronze 12mm (4.04 grams) Struck 2nd-1st Century B.C. Reference: Sear 4723; B.M.C.22.187,1; SNG Copenhagen 345 var. (monogram). Circular Macedonian shield with star on boss. ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛ / ΦEΩΝ above and beneath thunderbolt, monogram in upper field; all within olive-wreath. Founded by Attalos II Philadelphos, King of Pergamon 159-138 B.C., Philadelphia was situated south-east of Sardes and commanded the important valley of Kogamis.
Philip II Alexander the Great Dad OLYMPIC GAMES Ancient Greek Coin Horse i51706
Kingdom of Macedonia Philip II - King: 359-336 B.C. - (Father of Alexander III the Great) Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory Bronze 16mm (6.12 grams) Struck circa 356-294 B.C. Reference: Sear 6696-6699 var.; HGC 3, 882-886 var. Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia. Youth on horse prancing right, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above. * Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient Greek coin of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Fascinating coin referring to his Olympic victories.
PHILIP V Macedonia King 221BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin Hercules Harpa i60861
Greek coin of the Kingdom of Macedonia Philip V - King: 221-179 B.C. Bronze 19mm (7.67 grams) Struck circa 221-179 B.C. Reference: SNGCop 1262 Head of bearded Hercules right in lion's skin. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above and below harpa, ΔI above, all within oak wreath. Son of Demetrios II, Philip V came to power in 221 B.C. on the death of Antigonos Doson. He was a vigorous ruler and maintained the power of the Macedonian kingdom in the earlier part of his reign. However, he made the mistake of arousing the enmity of the Romans, and in 197 B.C. his power was crushed at the battle of the Kynoskephalai by the Roman general T. Quinctius Flamininus. After this his power and territory were severely curtailed by Rome, and the days of the Macedonian kingdom were numbered.
PHILIPPI in MACEDONIA 357BC Hercules Tripod Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i54461
Greek city of Philippi in Macedonia Bronze 17mm (5.40 grams) Struck 357-330 B.C. Reference: Sear 1452 var.; B.M.C. 5.8 var. Head of young Hercules left in lion's skin. Tripod ; ΦIΛIΠΠΩΝ to right. Following Philip II's capture of Amphipolis in 357 B.C. and his acquisition of the mining area of Mt. Pangaion, the mining center of Krenides was given the name of Philippi in the king's honor.
Sardes in Asia Minor 133BC Ancient Greek Coin Nude Apollo Young Hercules i31470
Greek city of Sardes in Lydia Bronze 15mm (4.22 grams) Struck circa 133-80 B.C. Reference: Sear 4734 Laureate head of young Hercules right, lion's skin knotted round. Nude Apollo standing left, holding raven and laurel-branch; ΣΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ behind, monogram to left; all within laurel wreath. The ancient capital of the Lydian Kings, Sardes lay under a fortified hill in the Hermos valley, at the important road junction. In the pre-Alexandrian age it was the center of the principal Persian satrapy, ad in all probability the mint-place of much of the Persian imperial coinage of darics and sigloi. In 189 B.C. it came under the rule of the Attalids of Pergamon, and fifty-six years later it passes to the Romans.
SARDES in Lydia 133BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO & HERCULES CLUB i61735
Greek city of Sardes in Lydia Bronze 15mm (4.08 grams) Struck circa 133-80 B.C. Reference: Sear 4736; B.M.C. 22.239,18 Laureate head of Apollo right. ΣΑΡΔΙ /ΑΝΩΝ either side of club of Hercules, monogram to right; all within oak-wreath.
SELEUKOS I Nikator 312BC Genuine Ancient SELEUKID Greek Coin MEDUSA BULL i60960
Greek Coin of Seleukid Kingdom Seleukos I Nikator - King: 312-280 B.C. Bronze 18mm (7.12 grams) Struck circa 312-280 B.C. Reference: Sear 6852 var.; HGC 9, 92a Winged head of Medusa right, serpents in hair. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΣEΛΕYKOY above and beneath humped bull butting right.
SIDE in PAMPHYLIA 25BC Rare Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO ATHENA i61319
Greek city of Side in Pamphylia Bronze 17mm (3.15 grams) Struck circa 25 B.C. - 100 A.D. Laureate head of Apollo right. Athena standing left, holding Nike in right hand and shield with left; CIΔ-H across field. An important coastal city, south-east of Aspendos, Side was a place of great antiquity, resettled by colonists from Kyme in the 7th-6th century B.C. Its inhabitants, who abandoned Greek in favor of curious local dialect, were reputed to be most dishonest, and the city was a center for piracy in the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
Syracuse Sicily 270BC King Hieron II Ancient Greek Coin Poseidon Trident i39152
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily Bronze 18mm (5.90 grams) under king Hieron II, circa 240-215 B.C. Reference: Sear 1223; HGC 2, 1550; B.M.C. 2. 603; CNS II, p. 407, nos. 201-201/7 Head of Poseidon left, wearing tainia. Ornamented trident-head, between two dolphins, dividing IEPΩNOΣ. When in it's foundations that the city of Syracuse only consisted of the island of Ortygia, that island was said to have been the home of the nymph Arethusa. She had been a chaste, faithful attendant of Artemis. It is said that she got the unwanted attentions from the river god, Alpheios, while bathing in his Peloponnesian stream. Artemis hid her in a cloud in an attempt to save her, however she sweated so profusely out of fear that she was transformed into a stream. Artemis broke apart the ground to allow her to escape. She found her way to the island of Ortygia where she became the fountain on that island.
Temnos Aiolis 350BC Rare Ancient Greek Coin Dionysos Wine God Grapes i28088
Greek city of Temnos in Aiolis Bronze 10mm (0.80 grams) Struck 350-300 B.C. Reference: Sear 4228; B.M.C. 17.142,1 Head of bearded Dionysos left, wreathed with ivy. Bunch of grapes dividing T - A. Situated a short distance east of Neonteichos, on the hill-side above the right bank of the river Hermos.
THESSALONICA MACEDONIA 100BC Dionysus Goat Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i60853
Greek city of Thessalonica in Macedonia Bronze 17mm (5.67 grams) Struck circa 100-51 B.C. Reference: HGC 3, 730; Moushmov 6610; SNGCop 365 Head of Dionysus right wreathed with ivy. ΘEΣΣAΛO / NIKHΣ to left and right of goat standing right. Thessalonica, more anciently Therma, an ancient city in Macedonia, situated at the N.E. Extremity of the Sinus Thermaicus. Under the name of Therma it was not a place of much importance. It was taken and occupied by the Athenians a short time before the commencement of the Peloponnesian war (B.C. 432), but was soon after restored by them to Perdiccas. It was made an important city by Cassander, who collected in this place the inhabitants of several adjacent towns (about B.C. 315), and who gave it the name of Thessalonica, in honor of his wife, the daughter of Philip and sister of Alexander the Great. From this time it became a large and flourishing city. Its harbor was swell situated for commercial intercourse with the Hellespont and the Aegean; and under the Romans it had the additional advantage of lying on the Via Egnatia, which led from the W. shores of Greece to Byzantium and the East. It was visited by Apostle Paula about A.D. 53; and about 2 years afterwards he addressed from Corinth 2 epistles to his converts in the city. Thessalonica continued to be, under the empire, one of the most important cities of Macedonia; and at a later time it became the residence of the prefect, and the capital, of the Illyrian provinces. It is celebrated at this period on account of the fearful massacre of its inhabitants by order of Theodosius, in consequence of a riot in which some of the Roman officers had been assassinated by the populace.
THYATEIRA in LYDIA 200BC Genuine Authentic Ancient Greek Coin APOLLO AXE i61306
Greek city of Thyateira in Lydia Bronze 15mm (2.66 grams) Struck circa 200-100 B.C. Reference Sear 4743; B.M.C. 22.292,7; SNG v. Aulock 3200 Laureate head of Apollo right. Double-axe (labrys); ΘYATEIPHNΩΝ in fields.
TIBERIUS 14AD Colonists Founding PARIUM with OXEN Ancient Roman Coin i55590
Tiberius - Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D. Bronze 16mm (3.33 grams) of Parium in Mysia, circa 14-37 A.D. Reference: Sear GIC 268; B.M.C. 15. 103,89; Cohen 206, 195; RPC I 1657 TI AVG, Bare head of Tiberius right. Two colonists plowing right with two oxen. This type commemorates the founding of the city, and the measurement they used to plot out the city. The ancient Romans had a standard for a city block.Download this article by right-clicking here and selecting save as
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond, running the eBay store Authentic Ancient Greek Roman Coins.
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AFFORDABLE Ancient Greek and Roman COINS from circa 400BC-100AD
Learn More Here: AFFORDABLE Ancient 300BC-200AD Greek COINS a Guide & Collection An interesting blog post pertaining to world coins. An expert numismatist posted this to teach.
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