Ancient Greek Coins

Ancient Greek coins were used as the main currency in ancient Greece and surrounding areas from around 600 BC to 300 AD. During that 900-year period, ancient Greek coins came from hundreds of city-states with various denominations and unique designs reflecting important cultural ideas and figures of the time. 

Today, collectors, investors, and historians seek out ancient Greek coins for sale for many reasons. These treasures offer historical insight, alluring rarity, and a wide array of stunning designs. Whether you’re interested in mythological figures, ancient architecture, creatures, or powerful rulers, there are plenty of ancient Greek coins in each category to collect.

FAQs

How are ancient Greek coins categorized? 

Since these coins were made in dozens of city-states (poleis) for around 900 years, there are various ways to categorize the thousands of ancient Greek coins minted. Our subcategories above divide ancient Greek coins for sale by region and civilization, such as Ionia, Phoenicia, and Macedonia. 

You can also categorize ancient Greek coins by time period:

1. > Archaic (800 BC to 480 BC): First known coinage (made of electrum) created by Lydians circa 680 BC; Coins issued under Aeginetan or Attic standards and circulated widely throughout Persian empire
2. > Classical (480 BC to 320 BC): Ancient Greek coin designs become more intricate and refined; Notable coins like the silver decadrachm from Syracuse produced
3. > Hellenistic (323 BC to 31 BC): Greek coinage spreading to new kingdoms, who started mass-producing their own similar coins; Notable coins from Indo-Greek, Seleucid, Ptolemaic, and Greco-Bactrian rulers; New trend of coinage featuring portraits of real people (usually kings)
4. > Roman (31 BC to 300 AD): Greek provincial or “Greek Imperial” coins issued by various eastern Roman empire cities, often portraying Alexander the Great

You can also categorize the coins by denomination, with types like drachma, tetradrachm, obol, and stater. 

What are some of the most notable types of ancient Greek coins available for sale?

We have a wide selection, but some of the most notable ancient Greek coins for sale to look for are coins that feature Alexander the Great — like gold staters and silver drachmas or tetradrachms — or King Croesus — like siglos, gold staters, or silver staters.

How are ancient Greek coins graded and valued?

Grading ancient Greek coins is more complex than grading modern coins, as ancient coins were hand-struck and often found buried as archeological artifacts. Therefore, the grading process is less standardized. Overall, the grade and value of ancient Greek coins for sale depends on factors like the coin’s rarity, preservation (with wear from circulation and burial take into account), and strike quality (what’s left of the design and how sharp the original strike was).

What factors should I consider when purchasing ancient Greek coins?

If you’re buying ancient Greek coins for investment purposes, the best value goes to coins with high artistic value (e.g. Classical Era silver decadrachm or tetradrachm from Syracuse), great historical value (e.g. Hellenistic-era coins featuring Heracles and Zeus minted under Alexander the Great), or rarity (e.g. Classical-era Akragas decadrachm). 

If you’re buying ancient Greek coins simply as a collector, your options are wide open. Pick a theme or era that you like and determine your budget. Then look for coins that ideally have a recognizable design and some proof of authenticity.

How should I care for and store my ancient Greek coin collection?

Whether or not to clean your coins is a debated matter, so it’s best to consult an expert. For storage, keep your ancient Greek coin in an airtight, acid-free and PVC-free container or coin capsule. Store the capsule or container in a dark, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity. Be sure to store each coin so they don’t touch each other.

What is your return policy if I am not satisfied with the coin I purchase?

You can reach out to the seller within 7 days to return your ancient Greek coin for a refund or exchange if you are not completely satisfied. The returned product must have all original packaging and documentation. You are responsible for return shipping costs but sellers cannot charge restocking fees.

How do I verify the authenticity of an ancient Greek coin?

If you have the ancient Greek coin already, you can have a reputable ancient coin dealer or a professional third-party service like NGC or David R. Sear determine if it’s authentic. Sellers may have documentation listed with their ancient Greek coin for sale. 

If you’re unsure about an item, request an audit through our Sheriff Program and we’ll have a panel of independent experts determine if the listing is accurate.

What is the process for purchasing an ancient Greek coin from your site?

Create an account first to communicate with sellers and track shipping. When you’ve explored our array of ancient Greek coin for sale and found the one for you, buy it immediately if it’s a non-auction listing; for auction listings, make a bid on a reserve or no-reserve auction starting as low as $1.  

Our diverse selection of high-quality ancient Greek coins for sale are available at competitive prices from reputable shops thanks to our strict Verified Sellers process and Sheriff Program. The range in products appeals to both collectors and investors alike.

• Why Do Some Ancient Coins Have Holes In Them?
• How Coin Auctions Work
• Coin Grading Systems: A History and Comparison.