What are old Greek coins called?
drachma, silver coin of ancient Greece, dating from about the mid-6th century bc, and the former monetary unit of modern Greece. The drachma was one of the world’s earliest coins. Its name derives from the Greek verb meaning “to grasp,” and its original value was equivalent to that of a handful of arrows.
What were ancient Greek gold coins called?
electrum
In the middle of the 6th century BC, King Croesus replaced the electrum coins with coins of pure gold and pure silver, called Croeseids.
Are old Greek coins worth anything?
Today ancient Greek coins are also numismatic coins. This means that they are worth more than the value of their precious metal and are therefore valuable collectibles. Their added value is mainly a result of their ancient history and rarity.
What is a Decadrachm?
Definition of decadrachm : an ancient Greek silver coin worth 10 drachms. Note: Because of its large denomination, the decadrachm is thought by many to have been primarily commemorative. Thus, a high quality of artistry is reflected in the design of the decadrachm.
How big is a tetradrachm?
2.5 cm, 17.2 g (1 in., 0.0379 lb.)
What does the word Tetradrachm mean?
silver coin
Definition of tetradrachm : an ancient Greek silver coin worth four drachmas.
What are the names of Ancient Greek coins?
Ancient Greek coins normally had distinctive names in daily use. The Athenian tetradrachm was called owl, the Aeginetic stater was called chelone, the Corinthian stater was called hippos (horse) and so on.
What coins did Ancient Greek people use?
Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean World Early Greek Coins. The first coins were made of electrum, an alloy of gold and silver that occurred naturally in local rivers. Experimentation With Coinage. Coinage and Trade. Athenian Coinage. Everyday Coinage. Coinage and War. Alexander the Great. Hellenistic Portrait Coins.
What were Ancient Greek coins made out of?
Greek coins were made using mostly silver but also gold, electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold), copper alloy, and bronze.
How were Ancient Greek coins made?
From the start of 600 BC, every Greek city started to mint all of its own types of coins. Now, most of the ancient Greek coins were made of silver. A small little lump of silver was taken, this is put on a mold which was made of iron and then it was struck with a hammer repeatedly.