Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III  More »

Demetrius I (reigned circa 200-180 B.C.) was the son of King Euthydemos. He first gained recognition as a young prince during negations with Seleucid King Antiochus III following their failed three-year siege of Bactra. King Antiochus was so impressed with Demetrius’ demeanor that he offered one of his daughters in marriage. Following his rise to the throne around 200 B.C., Demetrius began a series of military campaigns, expanding his kingdom’s boundaries beyond their stronghold in modern Afghanistan into parts of eastern Iran and Pakistan. However, Demetrius is perhaps best remembered for his conquest of India. Following the collapse the Mauryan Dynasty at the hands of the general Pusyamitra Sunga, and the subsequent establishment of the Sunga Dynasty in 185 B.C., Bactrian forces under the command of Demetrius I invaded northwestern India. Historians speculate whether this invasion was the result of a military alliance with the Mauryans or was launched in order to protect the Greek populations of the region. What is certain is that Bactrian forces advanced deep into the heart of the subcontinent and set the foundation for the so-called Indo-Greek Kingdom that ruled northwest India for the last two centuries before the common era. The coins struck under Demetrius and his predecessors Euthydemus and Antimachus are purely Greek in style, language and weight. After his campaign into India, Demetrius minted coins such as this stellar example showing himself wearing elephant's scalp, a symbol of India and reference to Alexander the Great’s depictions wearing the lion skin headdress associated with Herakles. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial to an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.075)   « Less

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying  More »

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying imperial rather than merely royal status, followed some years after Eukratides' consolidation of control over Bactria. He established himself as king of "the thousand cities of Bactria" and set out to enlarge his kingdom in all directions. While returning from one of his campaigns, he was killed by one of his sons, who seized the throne. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.108)   « Less

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying  More »

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying imperial rather than merely royal status, followed some years after Eukratides' consolidation of control over Bactria. He established himself as king of "the thousand cities of Bactria" and set out to enlarge his kingdom in all directions. While returning from one of his campaigns, he was killed by one of his sons, who seized the throne. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.109)   « Less

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying  More »

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying imperial rather than merely royal status, followed some years after Eukratides' consolidation of control over Bactria. He established himself as king of "the thousand cities of Bactria" and set out to enlarge his kingdom in all directions. While returning from one of his campaigns, he was killed by one of his sons, who seized the throne. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.110)   « Less

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying  More »

This coin represent King Eukratides I of Bactria, a land in central Asia (Afghanistan) that was conquered by Alexander. The adoption of the title 'Great King', implying imperial rather than merely royal status, followed some years after Eukratides' consolidation of control over Bactria. He established himself as king of "the thousand cities of Bactria" and set out to enlarge his kingdom in all directions. While returning from one of his campaigns, he was killed by one of his sons, who seized the throne. Bactrian coins were made to the Greek Standard, and this is one of the most beautiful coins of the late Hellenistic period. Known for their strongly realistic portraits, this tetradrachm of Eukratides is no exception. He is depicted as a formidable warrior, wearing a cuirass and a bronze helmet over his diadem. His features are individualized, his expression stern. On the reverse, the Dioskouroi, Greek heroes noted for their horsemanship and prowess in battle, are shown charging with spears raised. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient king and his kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (LC.111)   « Less

By the time Apollodotos II began his reign around 80 B.C., the Indo-Greek kingdoms were a shadow of their former glorious selves. Apollodotos was able to reverse this trend  More »

By the time Apollodotos II began his reign around 80 B.C., the Indo-Greek kingdoms were a shadow of their former glorious selves. Apollodotos was able to reverse this trend to some extent, reconquering the former capital of Taxila in western Punjab from Scythian rule and expanding eastward, taking back territory that had been lost to various native Indian kingdoms. Based on numismatic evidence, it is surmised that Apollodotos was a member of the dynasty founded by the great King Menander I. Historians speculate that Apollodotos II’s reign may have actually started in Taxila after the death of King Maues. Apollodotos may have been related to the Indo-Scythian king (as later Indo-Greek kings are believed to be of both mixed Indian and Scythian origin) and inherited the throne, or he may have defeated Maues himself or his descendants and reclaimed the city. It is also possible that Apollodotos II was allied with the Scythians. His reign is thought to have ended around 65 B.C., and the Indo-Greek kingdoms became fractured and began to decline once again. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is a memorial an ancient emperor and his empire passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation that still appears as vibrant today as the day it was struck. - (C.2254)   « Less

The ancient city of Kyzikos was located on a peninsula jutting out into the Propontis (ancient name for the Sea of Marmara). Named after Kyzikos, the son of Apollo and  More »

The ancient city of Kyzikos was located on a peninsula jutting out into the Propontis (ancient name for the Sea of Marmara). Named after Kyzikos, the son of Apollo and legendary founder of the city, Kyzikos thrived for more than 2,000 years ruling over a large area from the Hellespont, the Bosphorus, all of the Propontis, and its interior lands. Kyzikos played a significant role in the long Greek history. It shared in the unceasing fight of the Greek cities of Asia Minor against the Persians. After the Midian wars, Greek independence was established in the cities of Asia Minor. Kyzikos, an independent and strong Greek city, was a desired ally of the Athenians and Spartans and, with the rise of Alexander the Great, became part of the massive unified Greek Empire he established. After Alexander’s demise, during the reign of his heirs, Kyzikos kept friendly relations with the neighboring kingdom of Pergamon. Its relationship warmed even more when the king of Pergamon, Attalos I, took as his wife, Apolloniada, who hailed from Kyzikos. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether currency in the age we live or an artifact of a long forgotten empire. Kyzikos was one of the earliest minting cities to strike coins, beginning its series of electrum staters and fractions around 600 BC. From the late 6th century until late in the 4th century, coins were issued continually, with hundreds of types now known. It was the large issues of Philip and Alexander that finally displaced the Kyzikene standard. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. This coin is more than an artifact; it is a memorial an ancient city that managed to maintain a level of autonomy while confronted by some of the largest empires the ancient world had known. - (C.2072)   « Less

Now situated in the nation of Albania, the ancient city of Apollonia was founded by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu around 588 B.C. The Greek settlers lived alongside  More »

Now situated in the nation of Albania, the ancient city of Apollonia was founded by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu around 588 B.C. The Greek settlers lived alongside a native Illyrian tribe known as the Taulantii; however, the Greek colonists and their descendents effectively dominated the city and the natives were by and large relegated to serfdom. Apollonia prospered thanks to its large natural harbor. Commerce consisted mainly of local agricultural goods and slave trading. The city also benefited as one of the western termini of the Via Egnatia, the road that connected the Adriatic ports with Thessalonica and Byzantium in the east. As an important commercial center, the city minted its own coins that were traded far beyond its domain. Apollonia was absorbed by the burgeoning Roman Republic in 229 B.C. and the city continued to prosper under Roman rule. However, Apollonia’s fortunes would forever change in the 3rd century A.D. when a major earthquake altered the path of the Vjosa River, causing the harbor to silt up. Even worse, the inland areas were transformed into a malaria- ridden swamp, effectively rendering the city uninhabitable. During the Roman Republic, moneyers were in charge of minting coinage. Controlling what legends were branded on the coins, some moneyers used this position to promote themselves and their political ambitions. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether currency in the age we live or an artifact of a long forgotten empire. This ancient coin is more than an artifact; it is a memorial to an ancient city passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.5526)   « Less

The ancient city known to the Romans as Dyrrachium (present day Durres, Albania) was actually founded as Epidamnos by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu in 627 B.C. The  More »

The ancient city known to the Romans as Dyrrachium (present day Durres, Albania) was actually founded as Epidamnos by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu in 627 B.C. The site was chosen no doubt for its natural rocky harbor and high cliffs, making the city difficult to attack either from land or sea. Although the city was fought over by Corinth and Corfu, it was seized by the Illyrians under King Glaukias in 312 B.C. Eventually, in 229 B.C., following a major defeat at the hands of the Roman Republic, the city came under domination by the Romans who rechristened it Dyrrachium, meaning “difficult ridge” in Greek, possibly referring to the imposing cliffs near the city. Under the Romans, the city became a major naval and military base. The city also benefited as one of the western termini of the Via Egnatia, the road that connected the Adriatic ports with Thessalonica and Byzantium in the east. During the Roman Republic, moneyers were in charge of minting coinage. Controlling what legends were branded on the coins, some moneyers used this position to promote themselves and their political ambitions, as did the one named on this coin, Xenon. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether currency in the age we live or an artifact of a long forgotten empire. This ancient coin is more than an artifact; it is a memorial to an ancient city passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.5527)   « Less

The glories of ancient Athens are well known. From the ubiquitous photographs of the Parthenon high upon the Acropolis overlooking the city to the writings of Plato and  More »

The glories of ancient Athens are well known. From the ubiquitous photographs of the Parthenon high upon the Acropolis overlooking the city to the writings of Plato and Socrates, ancient Athens has permeated our modern lives. In fact, many foundations of our modern world have their roots in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. Athens was a city of orators, whose convincing arguments would sway the voting populace, made up of male citizens, to change argument into policy. Perhaps Athens is so important because it gave a voice to the individual; that is, if you were qualified to speak. The transfer of power from the elite to the masses, a social phenomenon that first flourished in Athens, would revolutionize the governing structures of the world for the next two thousand years. In a way, we are all Athenians. Just looking at architecture of our nation’s capital proves the lasting impact this ancient city continues to have today. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who might have touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after it leaves our hands. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and location, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine- made currencies. The helmeted head of Athena, warrior Goddess of wisdom, graces the obverse of this coin. She was the mythic protector of Athens and the source of the city’s name. Her attribute was the owl, depicted on the reverse of the coin, an animal also associated with wisdom, perhaps through its relation with the Goddess. This magnificent coin is a memorial to the ancient glories of Athens passed down from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.4792)   « Less