Legends

Why Legends and Symbols Matter in Ancient Coins

Ancient coins are more than just portraits and metal — they’re tiny historical documents. The legends (inscriptions) and symbols stamped into them reveal who issued the coin, when, why, and what they wanted you to believe.

In a time before mass media, coins were tools of communication and propaganda. They told the people who was in charge, which gods to worship, and what values the empire stood for.

As collectors, learning to read these symbols and inscriptions unlocks a whole new level of meaning.

🧾 What Are Coin Legends?

A legend is the text or inscription on a coin. Ancient legends were often abbreviated, packed with titles, and written in Latin, Greek, or local dialects.

They usually appear on:

• The obverse (front) — typically the name and titles of the ruler or city

• The reverse (back) — often including messages, mints, or dedications to deities

🏛️ Roman Coin Legends: Read the Emperor’s Resume

Roman coins are filled with abbreviations that summarize the emperor’s status.

Common Roman Legends (and what they mean):

Example:
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI PP
Translation: “Commander Trajan Augustus, conqueror of the Germans and Dacians, High Priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the sixth time, father of the country.”

That’s a full imperial bio — packed into a few letters.

🏺 Greek Coin Legends: Cities, Kings, and Gods

Greek legends often show the name of:

• The issuing city (e.g. ΑΘΕ = Athens)

• A king (e.g. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ = King Alexander)

• A deity or magistrate

• Sometimes symbolic words like ΝΙΚΗ (Victory)

Example:
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ = “Of King Lysimachus”

Greek coins may use full or partial inscriptions. The style of lettering also helps date the coin — archaic, classical, or Hellenistic.

🧿 What Are Coin Symbols?

Symbols are small images — often in the fields or under the figures — that carry deep meaning. They can show:

• Deities (e.g. thunderbolt = Zeus, trident = Poseidon)

• Military victories (e.g. trophy, eagle)

• Authority (e.g. scepter, globe)

• Sacrifice (e.g. altar, animal)

• Religious significance (e.g. Chi-Rho for Christians)

• Mint marks (e.g. star, crescent, wreath)

Some are obvious. Others are mysterious — and that’s what makes them fascinating.

🔍 Examples of Common Symbols:

🛠 Tips for Reading Legends & Symbols

1. Start with the obverse. The name of the emperor or city is usually there.

2. Break apart abbreviations. Use reference charts or online tools like Wildwinds.

3. Check for Greek letters. They’re often abbreviations or part of a ruler’s name.

4. Compare with known types. Use databases like:

   • Wildwinds

   • ACSearch

   • Numista

5. Trust the symbols. If you see a thunderbolt, it’s probably Zeus. Trident? Poseidon. Eagle? Might be Jupiter or Rome itself.

🧭 Why This Matters for Collectors

Understanding legends and symbols lets you:

• Identify unknown coins

• Date coins even without numerals

• Spot counterfeits

• Appreciate the historical message (and propaganda) on every coin

It also makes your collection more meaningful. Each coin becomes more than metal — it becomes a story you can read.

🔚 Final Thought

The legends and symbols on ancient coins are like whispers from the past. Sometimes bold, sometimes subtle, they speak about power, faith, victory, and pride.

Once you start recognizing the abbreviations and imagery, you’ll realize these coins weren’t just money — they were statements.

🔗 Explore More

• How to Identify Ancient Coins →

• Greek Coin Symbols →

• Byzantine Coin Guide →

• Roman Coin Values →