Top 25 Illyrian Silver Coins (Catalogue + Auction Prices)

Illyrian silver coins are some of the most fascinating and undervalued treasures in ancient numismatics. Struck by fierce tribal kingdoms along the Adriatic coast — from Epirus to Dalmatia — these coins reveal a unique blend of Hellenistic influence, native symbolism, and political autonomy. For collectors, they offer rare opportunities to own coins with strong historical identity, often in small surviving quantities.

In this catalogue, we’ve selected the Top 25 Illyrian silver coins, combining rarity, beauty, historical importance, and auction performance. Each listing includes details like legend, mint, ruler, weight, dating, and estimated auction price.

🏛️ Top 25 Illyrian Silver Coins

1. Monunius I Drachm – Dardania (c. 280–250 BC)

• Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΥΝΙΟΥ

• Mint: Dardania (likely Scupi or Ulpiana)

• Weight: ~2.8g

• Type: Head of Artemis / Thunderbolt within wreath

• Historical Note: One of the earliest named Illyrian kings issuing silver coins.

• Auction Price Range: $1,000 – $2,200

2. Ballaios Tetradrachm – Rhizon (c. 167–135 BC)

• Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΛΛΑΙΟΥ

• Mint: Rhizon (modern-day Risan, Montenegro)

• Weight: ~16.8g

• Type: Bust of king / Nike crowning name

• Historical Note: Mass-produced yet iconic; symbol of Illyrian maritime strength.

• Auction Price Range: $300 – $600

3. King Gentius Drachm – Lissus (c. 181–168 BC)

• Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΓΕΝΘΙΟΥ

• Mint: Lissus

• Weight: ~2.7g

• Type: Male bust / Thunderbolt

• Historical Note: Last king of Illyria before Roman conquest.

• Auction Price Range: $500 – $1,000

4. Dyrrhachium Drachm – Republic Issue (c. 3rd–2nd century BC)

• Legend: Greek magistrate name

• Mint: Dyrrhachium

• Weight: ~3.2g

• Type: Cow suckling calf / Double stellate pattern

• Historical Note: Major trade currency across the Adriatic.

• Auction Price Range: $150 – $400

5. Apollonia Drachm – Republic Issue (c. 2nd century BC)

• Legend: Magistrate inscription

• Mint: Apollonia (Illyria)

• Weight: ~3.3g

• Type: Cow and calf / Geometric design

• Auction Price Range: $120 – $350

6. King Mytilios Drachm – Rhizon (c. 3rd century BC)

• Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΥΤΙΛΙΟΥ

• Mint: Rhizon

• Weight: ~2.6g

• Type: King with diadem / Thunderbolt or Nike

• Auction Price Range: $700 – $1,500

7. Scodra Issue Drachm (c. 2nd century BC)

• Legend: Local tribal magistrate

• Mint: Scodra (modern Shkodër)

• Weight: ~2.5g

• Type: Native geometric motifs / Local deity

• Auction Price Range: $300 – $800

8. Issa Drachm – Island of Vis (c. 4th–3rd century BC)

• Legend: ΙΣΣΑΙΩΝ

• Mint: Issa

• Weight: ~2.9g

• Type: Head of nymph / Heracles or dolphin

• Auction Price Range: $250 – $500

9. Daorson Drachm – Dalmatia (c. 3rd–2nd century BC)

• Legend: ΔΑΟΡΣΩΝ

• Mint: Daorson

• Weight: ~2.7g

• Type: King or hero / Lyre or local emblem

• Historical Note: Rare city-issue coin of inland Illyrians

• Auction Price Range: $400 – $900

10. Pelion Drachm – Central Illyria (c. 3rd century BC)

• Legend: Greek or tribal

• Mint: Possibly Pelion

• Weight: ~2.8g

• Type: Stylized head / Thunderbolt

• Auction Price Range: $250 – $450

(11–25 will follow the same format in the final PDF + web version)

🧭 Why Illyrian Silver Coins Matter

Unlike their Greek or Roman counterparts, Illyrian coins reflect tribal identity, maritime trade, and resistance to empires. Coins like those of Monunius or Gentius show the growing political ambitions of Illyrian kings, while republican issues from Dyrrhachium and Apollonia supported regional commerce.

These coins are increasingly appreciated by advanced collectors due to:

• Rarity in high grade

• Limited auction appearances

• Underrated historical narratives

🏷 Collecting Tips & Authentication

1. Beware of imitative Greek types. Many Illyrian coins mimic Hellenistic styles but have subtle tribal markers.

2. Verify legends and weight. Counterfeits exist, especially for Ballaios coins.

3. Look for proven provenance in auction records.

📚 Related Resources on NumisDon

• 👉 Illyrian Coins: Tribal Silver and Native Symbolism

• 👉 Top 25 Ancient Greek Silver Coins

• 👉 Roman Coins Used in Illyria

📩 Download the Full Catalogue (PDF)

Want the full Top 25 list with all coin entries, images, auction houses, and price history?
🔗 [Download the Complete Illyrian Silver Catalogue – PDF]