Illyrian Coins – The Complete Collector’s Guide

At first glance, Illyrian coins might look Greek — and that’s not a coincidence. Cities like Dyrrachium and Apollonia started by minting drachms and didrachms that followed the Corinthian standard. You’ll often see Pegasus flying on the obverse and Athena in her helmet on the reverse.

But these weren’t just Greek colonies — they were Illyrian-controlled trade hubs. And over time, native kings stepped in, using these coins as a tool of sovereignty. The designs slowly changed. Names of local rulers started appearing. It wasn’t just trade money anymore — it was a message: “This is our land, our silver, our rule.”

Coins of the Illyrian Kings: The Big Three

As a collector, you’ll come across three major names again and again — Monunius, Ballaios, and Gentius. Each one ruled in a different period and region, but all three left behind fascinating, highly collectible coinage.

1. Monunius I – A Bold Statement in Silver

Period: Circa 280–250 BCE
Type: Silver drachm
Design: A cow suckling a calf (obv), a stylized pattern with “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΥΝΙΟΥ” (rev)
Mint: Likely Dyrrachium
Weight: Around 3.2g
Auction Range: $1,500–$4,000+

Collectors love Monunius’ coins for one big reason — they mark the first time a native Illyrian king put his name on a coin. These aren’t common, but when they appear, the bidding heats up. His silver drachms are bold, cleanly struck, and carry an almost defiant tone. A piece of Illyrian resistance — in your hand.

2. Ballaios – The Bronze King of the Adriatic

Period: Around 167–135 BCE
Type: Bronze
Design: Portrait of Ballaios (obv), Artemis or Nike (rev), “ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΛΛΑΙΟΥ”
Mint: Possibly Pharos (modern-day Hvar, Croatia)
Weight: 2–6g
Auction Range: $50–$500+

Ballaios is a bit of a mystery historically, but his coins are everywhere — and for good reason. He minted massive quantities of bronze coins, mostly for coastal cities and maritime trade. Some types are quite common, making them a great entry point for beginners. But rare variations and sharp portraits are hot items in auctions — especially those with clear inscriptions or unusual reverses.

If you’re building an Illyrian bronze collection, Ballaios is your go-to.

3. Gentius – The Last King Standing

Period: 181–168 BCE
Type: Bronze and rare silver
Design: Male bust (possibly Apollo or Gentius), horseman or tripod reverse
Mint: Possibly Lissus (Lezhë, Albania)
Auction Range: $300–$2,000+

Gentius was the last king of Illyria before Rome swept in. His defeat marked the end of Illyrian independence — but his coins survived as a testament to that final stand.

These are much rarer than Ballaios types. Silver coins of Gentius are especially scarce and command high prices. Even the bronze coins are harder to find with full legends. For collectors, finding a Gentius coin in good condition feels like discovering a relic of a lost war.

Where Were Illyrian Coins Minted?

Here are the key cities and regions where Illyrian coins were struck:

Dyrrachium (Durrës) – Originally a Greek colony, later under Illyrian kings
Apollonia – Same as above; mixed Greek-Illyrian coinage
Rhizon (Risan) – A coastal mint, possibly under Queen Teuta
Pharos (Hvar) – Likely mint for Ballaios’ bronze issues
Lissus (Lezhë) – Possibly used by Gentius for royal issues

These coins weren’t locked to one region. Thanks to Adriatic trade routes, Illyrian coins have turned up in northern Greece, Italy, and the Danube region, proving just how wide their influence reached.

Illyrian Coin Symbols and Style

What makes Illyrian coins especially interesting is how they blend Greek artistic style with native symbolism.

You’ll see:

Greek deities like Athena, Artemis, and Zeus — signaling familiarity to traders
Local animals such as bulls, horses, and birds — symbols of tribal power
Bold inscriptions with royal titles, often in Greek script, even though the rulers were Illyrian

These weren’t just coins — they were statements of authority and identity.

Collector Tips: Owning a Piece of Illyrian History

Illyrian coins aren’t just for elite collectors. You can find genuine pieces — especially bronze — at accessible prices. Here’s what to look out for:

Common Ballaios types can go for $50–$100
Better-preserved bronzes with full legends can fetch $300+
Monunius drachms are rare and pricey, usually $2,000+
Gentius coins are hard to find, especially silver ones

💡 Pro Tip: Watch for misattributed lots in auctions. Some Illyrian coins get lumped into “Greek provincial” or “miscellaneous bronze” categories, and that’s where sharp-eyed collectors can snag a great deal.

Mints and Distribution

Main Illyrian Mints:

Dyrrachium and Apollonia – Minted Greek-style coins under Illyrian control
Rhizon – Coastal city in Montenegro, minted coins under Queen Teuta and others
Lissus (Lezhë) – Center of Gentius’ power and possibly his mint
Pharos (Hvar) – Major mint site for Ballaios

Coin Circulation:

Illyrian coins have been found across:

Albania
Kosovo
Bosnia
Montenegro
Northern Greece
Italy (due to Adriatic trade)

This shows that Illyrian coinage wasn’t just local — it was regional, influencing and interacting with Hellenistic and Roman economies.

Symbols and Inscriptions on Illyrian Coins

Unlike the heavy symbolism of Roman propaganda, Illyrian coins often reflect:

Local animals (bulls, horses, wolves)
Greek deities (Artemis, Athena, Zeus)
Royal power (diadems, titles, inscriptions)

Many use Greek script (since it was the trade lingua franca), but the message is Illyrian: “We are sovereign. We mint our own currency.”

Collecting Illyrian Coins Today

What Makes Them Appealing:

Rare but not impossible to find
Deep historical and political significance
Beautiful Greek-style artistry with local twists
A window into a Balkan civilization with limited written history

Price Ranges:

Common bronze of Ballaios: $50–$150
Monunius drachms: $1,500+
Gentius coins: Highly desirable, starting ~$300
Unique issues (e.g., female portraits, unknown mints): $5,000+ in auctions

Auction Tip:

Watch major auction houses like NAC Zurich, CNG, and Roma Numismatics — rare Illyrian coins sometimes appear mislabeled or bundled with “Greek provincial” lots.

Designs with a Local Accent

If Greek coinage was about elegance and Roman coinage about message, Illyrian coins often feel like a blend of both — but with their own grit.

You’ll find:

Portraits of Kings — Monunius, Gentius, and Ballaios are the big names, each with their own style.
Shields and Spears — A nod to their warrior culture.
Ships — A reminder that many Illyrians were skilled seafarers and sometimes feared pirates.
Animals — Horses, eagles, and other symbols tied to local pride.

The artistry varies — some are sharp and detailed, others a bit crude — but that’s part of their charm.

Metals and Money

Illyrian coins come in silver, bronze, and, rarely, gold.

Silver drachmas are the most famous, often linked to specific kings.
Bronze coins handled the day-to-day markets and can be more affordable for collectors.
Gold staters are exceptional finds — struck for prestige and high-level transactions.

Because Illyria sat between Greece and Rome, its coins traveled far. Finding one outside the Balkans isn’t unusual — especially in old hoards.

Why They’re Worth Chasing

Rarity – Many types were struck in small numbers.
Crossroads History – Influences from Greek art and Roman power, blended with Illyrian identity.
The Hunt – Finding them requires patience, making each piece more rewarding.
Investment Potential – Scarce coins with strong provenance can hold or increase in value.

Collector Tips from Experience

Be patient — you won’t find them in every sale.
Study the portraits — knowing the facial features and crown styles of Monunius or Gentius helps spot genuine coins.
Always buy from sellers you trust; forgeries are rare but not impossible.
Auctions are often the best hunting grounds, but keep an eye on smaller dealers — that’s where my first one came from.

(Read our [Authentication Guide] – link placeholder)

Value Factors

Just like with other ancient coins, value depends on:

Rarity of the type.
Condition and clarity of details.
Metal — silver and gold draw higher prices, but nice bronze examples can surprise you.
Historical connection — coins from the final years before the Roman conquest are especially interesting.

Care and Storage

Don’t clean them — ever. That dark, aged surface tells its story. Store them in inert flips or capsules, and keep them somewhere safe from moisture and extreme temperature changes.

(Read our [Preservation & Storage Guide] – link placeholder)

A Few Notable Pieces

Silver Drachma of Monunius – Bold portrait, signature shield reverse.
Bronze Coin of Gentius – Maritime themes from the last Illyrian king.
Gold Stater of Ballaios – A rare jewel in Illyrian numismatics.

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Where to Look

Reputable auctions, ancient coin specialists, and well-vetted online platforms. Always check provenance and return policies — these coins don’t come around often, so make each purchase count.

(Browse our [Illyrian Coin Collection] – link placeholder)

Useful Links & Resources

🧭 Internal NumisDon Articles:

🌍 External References:

British Museum Collection – Illyria
ACSearch – Illyrian Coin Auctions
NumisDon: Illyrian Coin Database

Final Thoughts

Illyrian coins are for collectors who like the road less traveled. They’re not in every catalog, and you can’t just pick one up at any show. But when you find one, you know you’ve got something special — a piece of history from a people who stood their ground between two great civilizations.

And if you’re lucky, like I was that day at the coin fair, you might spot one sitting quietly among its more famous neighbors, just waiting for the right collector to notice.

Explore More Ancient Coins
– Ancient Greek Coins – Artistry and innovation from the Hellenic world.
– Ancient Roman Coins – Power, propaganda, and empire.
– Byzantine Coins – Faith and gold in the Eastern Empire.
– Ancient Coins Guide – Overview of ancient coinage across civilizations.

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