Greek Coins
Explore the magnificent coinage of ancient Greek city-states, featuring mythological figures, Olympic games, and iconic symbols that represent the birth of democracy and Western civilization.
Greek City-States & Regions
Athens
Famous for silver tetradrachms featuring Athena and the iconic owl symbol, representing wisdom and wealth.
View Athenian CoinsCorinth
Known for staters featuring Pegasus, the winged horse, symbolizing speed and Corinthian commerce.
View Corinthian CoinsMacedonia
Gold staters of Alexander the Great and Philip II, featuring Herakles and Zeus with imperial ambitions.
View Macedonian CoinsSyracuse
Magnificent decadrachms with Arethusa and quadrigas, representing Sicilian Greek artistry.
View Syracusan CoinsFeatured Greek Coins
Athenian Tetradrachm
Silver coin with Athena and owl, 5th century BC
Classical Period
Corinth Stater
Silver coin with Pegasus, 4th century BC
Classical Period
Alexander the Great Stater
Gold coin with Athena Nike, 330 BC
Hellenistic PeriodGreek Coin Types
Decadrachm
Large silver coin worth 10 drachmae, used for major transactions and commemorative issues.
Tetradrachm
Standard silver coin worth 4 drachmae, the workhorse of Greek commerce and trade.
Drachma
Basic silver unit, a day's wage for skilled worker in classical Athens.
Obol
Small silver coin, one-sixth of a drachma, used for everyday small purchases.
Greek Mythology Symbols
Owl of Athena
Symbol of wisdom and the city of Athens, featured on Athenian tetradrachms.
Pegasus
Winged horse of Corinth, representing speed and Corinthian commercial power.
Laurel Wreath
Symbol of victory and Apollo, often seen on coins from athletic competitions.
Eagle of Zeus
Representing the king of gods, featured on coins of Alexander the Great.
Greek Coins FAQ
Greek coins typically feature gods, mythological creatures, and local symbols rather than portraits of rulers. They were issued by individual city-states, each with their own designs, weights, and standards, unlike the centralized Roman imperial coinage.
Athenian owl tetradrachms were the dollar of the ancient world. Their consistent silver content and wide acceptance made them the first international currency. The owl symbolized wisdom (Athena) and became synonymous with Athenian wealth and power.
Greek coins were hand-struck using engraved dies. The process involved placing a blank metal flan between two dies and striking with a hammer. This created the characteristic high relief and artistic designs that make Greek coins so collectible today.
The most valuable Greek coins include the Athenian decadrachm, Syracusan medallions, and gold staters of Alexander the Great. Coins from important historical periods, in exceptional condition, or with rare varieties command the highest prices.