Greek Coin Types and Inscriptions
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Greek Numismatics course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Greek Coin Types and Inscriptions Glossary #
Greek Coin Types and Inscriptions Glossary
A #
A
Amphora #
Amphora
- Explanation: An amphora is a type of ancient Greek pottery vessel used… #
Amphoras were commonly depicted on ancient Greek coins as a symbol of trade and commerce.
Archaic #
Archaic
- Explanation: The Archaic period in ancient Greece refers to the time be… #
Archaic coins are those minted during this period and are characterized by primitive designs and irregular shapes.
Attica #
Attica
- Explanation: Attica was a region in ancient Greece that included the ci… #
Attic coinage refers to the coins minted in Athens, with the tetradrachm being the most famous denomination.
B #
B
Bucranium #
Bucranium
- Explanation: Bucranium refers to a decorative motif depicting a bull's… #
This motif was commonly used on ancient Greek coins to symbolize strength and fertility.
C #
C
Chiton #
Chiton
- Explanation: A chiton is a type of garment worn by ancient Greeks, cons… #
Chitons were often depicted on ancient Greek coins as a symbol of Greek culture and fashion.
Classical #
Classical
- Explanation: The Classical period in ancient Greece refers to the time… #
Classical coins are those minted during this period and are known for their refined artistic designs and standardized weights.
Coinage #
Coinage
- Explanation: Coinage refers to the process of creating and circulating… #
Ancient Greek coinage played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce throughout the Mediterranean region.
D #
D
Drachm #
Drachm
- Explanation: The drachm was a silver coin used in ancient Greece and wa… #
The tetradrachm, worth four drachms, was the most common denomination in many Greek city-states.
E #
E
Eagle #
Eagle
- Explanation: The eagle was a popular symbol in ancient Greek coinage an… #
Eagles were often depicted on coins issued by various Greek city-states.
Epigraphy #
Epigraphy
- Explanation: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs, which… #
Inscriptions on ancient Greek coins provide valuable historical and cultural information.
F #
F
Facing Head #
Facing Head
- Explanation: A facing head on a coin refers to a frontal depiction of a… #
Facing heads were commonly used on ancient Greek coins to emphasize the importance and authority of the individual represented.
G #
G
Griffin #
Griffin
- Explanation: A griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion… #
Griffins were frequently featured on ancient Greek coins as symbols of strength, guardianship, and protection.
H #
H
Hemidrachm #
Hemidrachm
- Explanation: The hemidrachm was a silver coin worth half a drachm #
It was a common denomination used in various Greek city-states for small transactions and everyday commerce.
Hoplite #
Hoplite
- Explanation: A hoplite was a heavily armed foot soldier in ancient Gree… #
Hoplites were often depicted on Greek coins to symbolize military strength and valor.
I #
I
Inscriptions #
Inscriptions
- Explanation: Inscriptions on ancient Greek coins typically include info… #
Deciphering these inscriptions is essential for understanding the context and significance of the coin.
J #
J
Janiform #
Janiform
- Explanation: A janiform representation on a coin features two heads fac… #
This design was used on ancient Greek coins to depict dual rulers, deities, or mythical figures.
K #
K
Kerykeion #
Kerykeion
- Explanation: The kerykeion is a herald's staff with two entwined serpen… #
The kerykeion was a common symbol on ancient Greek coins, representing commerce, communication, and protection.
L #
L
Lepton #
Lepton
- Explanation: The lepton was a small denomination bronze coin used in an… #
Leptons were commonly used for small transactions and as small change.
M #
M
Minerva #
Minerva
- Explanation: Minerva, the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Athena,… #
Images of Minerva were often featured on ancient Greek coins as a symbol of intellectual prowess and military strength.
Mint #
Mint
- Explanation: A mint is a facility where coins are produced through the… #
Ancient Greek mints were located in various city-states and were responsible for striking coins with standardized designs and weights.
N #
N
Numismatics #
Numismatics
- Explanation: Numismatics is the study and collection of coins and curre… #
Numismatists analyze coins for historical, cultural, and artistic significance, providing valuable insights into the civilizations that minted them.
O #
O
Owl #
Owl
- Explanation: The owl was a common symbol of wisdom in ancient Greek cul… #
Owls were frequently depicted on Athenian tetradrachms as a symbol of knowledge, intelligence, and protection.
P #
P
Panther #
Panther
- Explanation: The panther, a fierce feline predator, was a popular motif… #
Panthers were commonly depicted in a stalking or prowling posture on Greek coinage.
Q #
Q
Quadriga #
Quadriga
- Explanation: A quadriga is a four-horse chariot used in ancient Greek a… #
Depictions of quadrigas on coins symbolize victory, triumph, and leadership.
R #
R
Rider #
Rider
- Explanation: A rider on a coin refers to a depiction of a person on hor… #
Riders were commonly featured on ancient Greek coins to represent military prowess, nobility, and authority.
S #
S
Stater #
Stater
- Explanation: The stater was a gold coin used in ancient Greece as a sta… #
Staters were minted with consistent weights and purity and were widely circulated throughout the Greek world.
T #
T
Triobol #
Triobol
- Explanation: The triobol was a small silver coin worth three obols, com… #
Triobols were minted by various Greek city-states and were an essential part of the local economy.
U #
U
Underweight #
Underweight
- Explanation: An underweight coin is one that does not meet the standard… #
Underweight coins were often considered counterfeit or debased and could lead to economic instability.
V #
V
Victory #
Victory
- Explanation: Victory, personified by the winged goddess Nike, was a com… #
Depictions of Victory often included a laurel wreath, palm branch, or wreath.
W #
W
Wreath #
Wreath
- Explanation: A wreath is a circular garland made of leaves, flowers, or… #
Wreaths were frequently depicted on ancient Greek coins as a symbol of triumph and recognition.
X #
X
Xenon #
Xenon
- Explanation: Xenon refers to an inn or guesthouse in ancient Greece whe… #
Xenon coins were issued by some city-states to promote hospitality and trade.
Y #
Y
Yoke #
Yoke
- Explanation: A yoke is a wooden beam used to harness two oxen or other… #
The yoke was a symbol of unity and cooperation often depicted on ancient Greek coins to represent strength through partnership.
Z #
Z
Zeus #
Zeus
- Explanation: Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology, was often d… #
Images of Zeus on coins represented divine authority and protection.