About Ancient Coins
Ancient Greek coins
- Alexander the Great: (reign 336-323 BC) Coins minted during the great ruler's reign/lifetime include the standardized gold stater, silver tetradrachmas and drachmas, and bronze coins. The term "Alexander" refers to the silver coins, which feature a powerful combination: The head of Heracles on the obverse and a seated Zeus on the reverse. Alexander coin pendants are very impressive, elegant and never go out of style.
- Athenian Owl: (c. 430-99 B.C.) The standard during its circulation, the Athenian Owl of Athens was known for its silver purity and was a major force in producing a stabilized world economy. Traders could use the Owl confidently due to the universal acceptance of its face value. Today, these Greek coins remain among the most coveted by collectors due to its beauty and place in the ancient world.
- Boy on Dolphin: (c. 450-200 B.C.) Symbolic of the legend which explains the founding of Taras, the "Boy on Dolphin" coin was identifiable to all as being from this trading city. The most common design is that with the boy on a dolphin on the obverse and a rider on horseback on the reverse. The different versions of the horseback rider can help determine the time period, up until c. 200 BC.
- Pegasus of Corinth: (c. 600-300 B.C.) The most famous of all coins that bore the likeness of mythical Pegasus, was the Corinthian silver stater, which weighed approximately eight grams. Along with Pegasus, the coins also featured Athena and Poseidon on its obverse and Athena on the reverse.
- Aegina Turtle: (c. 650-350 BC) The Aeginite Turtles of the seafaring city Aegina were believed to be the world's first standardized currency, made of (almost) pure silver to keep values constant. During its height, it is estimated Aegina minted 10,000 Turtles each year for about 70 years. There are two different types of design for the obverse: A sea turtle prior to c. 450 BC and a land tortoise after c. 404 BC.
- Larissa of Thessaly: (c. 430-340 B.C.) Minted for nearly 100 years, this coin was minted by the city Larissa in honor of its namesake. This coin was standardized and could be used throughout the region, but its design made it clear that it was from Larissa, featuring the head of the nymph Larissa on the obverse and a horse design on the reverse.
- Sikyon Dove: (c. 500-150 B.C.) Emblematic of the artistic city of Sikyon , the Dove was minted in gold, silver and bronze. The most famous being the silver stater, which featured the dove on the front and fire-breathing chimera on the back, making for a dichotomous combo of peace and muscular strength.
Ancient Roman coins
- Janus Head: (c. 240-44 B.C.) The Roman God of Gods
- Roman Goddess: (c. 100 B.C.) Roma, the goddess who personified Rome.
Biblical coins
- Constantine The Great: (reign 306–337 A.D.) Constantine was Rome’s 1st Christian emperor. In 307 Constantine and Licinius issued the famous Edict of Milan, which granted complete religious tolerance of all citizens of the Roman Empire. In doing so he changed the history of the world and set a new course for Christianity, which until then had suffered persecution.
- Shekel of Tyre: (c. 75-74 B.C.) Bibilical Judaean taxes were specified in shekels, but the Jews had no silver coins of their own. Temple Priests devised a practical solution to use Tyrian coins, known for their good silver quality, even though they went against prohibitions of the First Commandment. It was most likely a Shekel of Tyre that Jesus and Peter used to pay the Temple tax (Matthew 17:27). These coins were also likely used in the infamous thirty pieces of silver payment to Judas (Matthew 26:15).
- Widows Mite: (c. 103–64 B.C.) From a famous Bible passage (Mark 12:41), the “Widows Mite” is a small ancient Judaean coin in circulation during the lifetime of Jesus. It reminds us that a gift or donation, however small, is special when it is a sacrifice. Various designs on the coins include wheel with spokes, double cornucopias, palm branch, and circle containing anchor.
