Coin Collecting

Coins and Paper Money -> Coins – Ancient -> Greek Coins

As a link to the ancient world, coins are an incredibly popular way to capture this history. Thanks to the minting process and the metals that were used, we can still enjoy many ancient coins today. Greek coins are increasingly becoming more popular and their unique designs enhance any coin collection. For those that are looking to collect these coins, but are uncertain as to whether or not they are dealing with an authentic collectible, there are a few guidelines.

1. Check the Wear

An ancient coin will understandably look a bit old. In many cases, you are dealing with coins that were produced thousands of years ago. If the Greek coin you are looking at it is shiny, or has no visible signs of wear, there is a good chance that it is not authentic. Most collectors do not restore these coins since their wear is a sign of their true age. If you do find a coin that is in remarkable condition, there is a chance that it is authentic, but the chances are few and far between.

2. Check the Back

Ancient Greek coins will typically have a name engraved on the back, but it won’t be of a king or of anyone incredibly important. Instead, in this culture, it was customary for the person that actually minted the coin to put their own name on it. This was a unique practice and it offers a great way for the average collector to be able to authenticate a Greek coin. Since the vast majority of these coins bear some sort of engraving on the back, this will help you determine whether or not the coin is authentic.

3. Check the Design

Minting equipment was understandably not as advanced as today’s equipment and that means that very often, the designs on Greek coins will not be perfect. This is actually desirable and if you do find a coin that is too perfect, it is a major sign that it may not be authentic. Take the time to thoroughly examine the coin. If you cannot spot any flaws, there is a very good chance that it is not authentic.

4. Check the Certificate

Many ancient coins that have already been authenticated will have an accompanying certificate. While this can of course be forged, you can follow up with the person that did the appraisal and authentication. If you cannot contact them or they do not have any knowledge of the coin you are dealing with, it is best to save your money and find another Greek coin to buy.

5. Check the Shape

Last but not least, coins made during this period were quite often not perfectly round. Look for a slight deviation on your Greek coin. If it is slightly off, then this is a very good sign that it is authentic. Remember, many of these Greek coins were hand made, one at a time and whenever you are dealing with that kind of process, the chances for imperfections are very high.

Originally posted 2008-08-22 05:00:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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There are three different points in time that Ancient Greek coins are divided into. The first period of time for the history of ancient Greek coins is known as the Archaic period. This particular period of time expands from when coinage first appeared in the Greek World in 600 BCE until 480 BE which was when the Persian wars erupted. After this, the next period of time that existed was the Classical period for Greek coins, and this period endured until Alexander the Great appeared in 330 BC.

The third period is the Hellenistic period, which drew out until the Romans preoccupied the Greek world in the 1st century BCE. The Greek cities extended in order to create their own coins for additional cities under the rule of Rome. These coins were each completely handmade, and they depicted a wide variety of different scenes, buildings, figureheads and symbols.

All of the Ancient Greek coins were created by hand unlike how modern day coins are made. Ancient Greek coins were eventually invented in a kingdom known as Lydia, which is now known as Turkey, during 620 BCE. When the Ancient Greeks began to create Greek coins from the very start, these coins had a number of different figures, inscriptions and symbols that were specifically designed to exemplify the independence of the poleis.

Even though the Greeks were under the command of Hellenistic kings or autocrats, the Greeks were always generally independent in nature. Their coins were a great way for them to substantiate their independence throughout their history. In other words, Ancient Greek coins are a symbol of independence among a people that struggled with independence for many centuries. Ancient Greek coins are made up of historic pictures and symbols and are now perceived as being artistic, lending to the history of a true art. The examples of the oldest Greek coins are capable of including a lot of sanctified temples and buildings, and this permits individuals to understand how grand those buildings once were in Greek history and lore.

Greek coins, then, were a lot more than a simple system of commerce or a collection of carved or stamped metal. The purpose of Greek coins had so much more to do with independence and religious pride, meaning that they are extremely meaningful as history of art, and the history of a people that struggled for independence and flourished for many years despite being under the rule of others, including Hellenistic kings and the Romans. If you are looking for a type of collection that you can be proud to have in your possession, consider collecting Greek coins so that you can learn the history of a unique people and revel in the signs and symbols of their fight for independence. The more you learn about Greek coins, the better you will be able to benefit from collecting these unique coins.

Photo Credits: I likE plants!

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