Myrina was one of the twelve cities that comprised the Aeolian League. Aeolia was a region that covered the west coast of Asia Minor. However, the word, “Aeolia,”  More »

Myrina was one of the twelve cities that comprised the Aeolian League. Aeolia was a region that covered the west coast of Asia Minor. However, the word, “Aeolia,” is not a geographical term. Instead, it refers collectively to the cities founded by the Aeolians, a branch of the Hellenic people. This coin was minted in Myrina during the 2nd Century B.C. Believed to have been of some importance during Hellenistic times, Myrina was located northeast of Kyme and was overshadowed by its more important neighbor. The Greek inscription, “MYRINAIWN,” translated as “Myrinaion” means “of” or “belonging to the people of Myrina.” 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 the glories of an ancient city passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.4136)   « Less

Due to its strategic location on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor and its connections with the interior, the ancient city of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey) was an important  More »

Due to its strategic location on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor and its connections with the interior, the ancient city of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey) was an important center of trade and remains so today. The city was originally founded by Greek colonists and soon rose to prominence, becoming one of the leading city- states of Ionia. The rise of the Lydians in the 7th century B.C. imperiled the fortunes of the city. Although Smyrna was able to hold out for several decades, it was eventually conquered and sacked by the forces of King Alyattes II and the Greek culture of the city was ostensibly supplanted. Legend has it that Alexander the Great decided to rebuild the Greek city, albeit in a nearby location from the ruins of the ancient city. However, it was not until the reigns of his followers Antigonus and Lysimachus that his plans were actually carried out and Smyrna again prospered. At the beginning of the 2nd century B.C., Smyrna cut ties with the Attalid kings of Pergamum and allied themselves with the Romans. By the time the last Attalid king Eumenes III dies without an heir, the Romans gained control of all their possessions, including Smyrna. Under Roman domination, Smyrna remained one the principal cities of Asia Minor. 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 the glories of an ancient city passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.4137)   « Less

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak  More »

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak under Seleukos I and Antiochus I, the Seleucid Kingdom comprised almost the whole of the conquests of Alexander with the exception of Egypt. Seleukis and Pieria, also known as Seleucia Pieria, was a Mediterranean port located near the mouth of the Orontes River in modern Turkey. It served as the main port for the Seleucid capital of Antioch, much the same way Ostia would later serve as the main port for Rome. Functioning as both a commercial and naval seaport, the city was of immense strategic importance to the Seleucids. During their war with Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleukis and Pieria was captured, liberated, and recaptured several times until finally in 219 B.C., Seleucid King Antiochus III the Great liberated the city from Ptolemaic occupation for the final time. Soon after, the city obtained autonomy and was granted the right to mint coinage, revealing the extent of its commercial wealth. Historically, Seleukis and Pieria is noted as being the point of departure from which St. Paul set forth on his first missionary journey. 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 a lost kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.4149)   « Less

Thasos is an island in the north Aegean Sea, off the coast of Thrace, which contained prolific gold mines during ancient times. Archilochus described Thasos as " an ass's  More »

Thasos is an island in the north Aegean Sea, off the coast of Thrace, which contained prolific gold mines during ancient times. Archilochus described Thasos as " an ass's backbone crowned with wild wood," and the description still suits the mountainous island with its forests of fir. Besides its gold mines, the wine, nuts and marble of Thasos were well known in antiquity. The island was colonized at an early date by Phoenicians, probably attracted by its mines Thasus, son of Phoenix, is said to have been the leader of the Phoenicians, and to have given his name to the island. During the 7th Century, the island became increasingly Hellenized, through contact with the Greeks who began settling along the coastal regions of Thrace. Thasos also enjoyed controlling interest in several silver mines on the Greek mainland, a testament to the enormous wealth and power of this island. In 492 BC, Thasos fell to the Persians during the Ionian revolt. After the defeat of Persia by Athens, Thasos joined the Delian League. Later, the island would come under Roman control. 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 a long forgotten empire. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is often lacking in contemporary machine- made currencies. Today, the gold mines and marble quarries of Thasos have all been depleted. However, this silver drachm is a stunning memorial to the golden age of this ancient island. - (C.4218)   « Less

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak  More »

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak under Seleukos I and Antiochus I, the Seleucid Kingdom comprised almost the whole of the conquests of Alexander with the exception of Egypt. Seleukis and Pieria, also known as Seleucia Pieria, was a Mediterranean port located near the mouth of the Orontes River in modern Turkey. It served as the main port for the Seleucid capital of Antioch, much the same way Ostia would later serve as the main port for Rome. Functioning as both a commercial and naval seaport, the city was of immense strategic importance to the Seleucids. During their war with Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleukis and Pieria was captured, liberated, and recaptured several times until finally in 219 B.C., Seleucid King Antiochus III the Great liberated the city from Ptolemaic occupation for the final time. Soon after, the city obtained autonomy and was granted the right to mint coinage, revealing the extent of its commercial wealth. Historically, Seleukis and Pieria is noted as being the point of departure from which St. Paul set forth on his first missionary journey. 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 a lost kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.4237)   « 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.5515)   « 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.5524)   « Less

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak  More »

The Seleucid Kingdom was established by Seleukos I, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, following the death of Alexander and the division of his empire. At its peak under Seleukos I and Antiochus I, the Seleucid Kingdom comprised almost the whole of the conquests of Alexander with the exception of Egypt. Seleukis and Pieria, also known as Seleucia Pieria, was a Mediterranean port located near the mouth of the Orontes River in modern Turkey. It served as the main port for the Seleucid capital of Antioch, much the same way Ostia would later serve as the main port for Rome. Functioning as both a commercial and naval seaport, the city was of immense strategic importance to the Seleucids. During their war with Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleukis and Pieria was captured, liberated, and recaptured several times until finally in 219 B.C., Seleucid King Antiochus III the Great liberated the city from Ptolemaic occupation for the final time. Soon after, the city obtained autonomy and was granted the right to mint coinage, revealing the extent of its commercial wealth. Historically, Seleukis and Pieria is noted as being the point of departure from which St. Paul set forth on his first missionary journey. 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 a lost kingdom passed from the hands of civilization to civilization, from generation to generation. - (C.6143)   « Less

The Ionian city of Ephesus was one of the great capitals of antiquity, famed for its beautiful architecture and its luxurious and cultured lifestyle. In antiquity, Ephesus  More »

The Ionian city of Ephesus was one of the great capitals of antiquity, famed for its beautiful architecture and its luxurious and cultured lifestyle. In antiquity, Ephesus was also a center of religious activity. The enormous temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and Ephesus was an early stronghold of Christianity and some scholars surmise that the Book of John may have been written there. - (C.7488)   « Less

Kyrenaica was on a plateau in present-day Libya, settled by Greeks from the island of Thera about 630 B.C. Its principal city was Kyrene. In the winter of 332/31 B.C., the  More »

Kyrenaica was on a plateau in present-day Libya, settled by Greeks from the island of Thera about 630 B.C. Its principal city was Kyrene. In the winter of 332/31 B.C., the Kyrenaians entered into an alliance with Alexander the Great, and from that time until it was acquired by Ptolemaic Egypt, the city of Kyrene issued a series of coins with the head of Zeus Ammon on the obverse. Ammon was the chief imperial god of ancient Egypt, who became known to the Greeks through their colonization of Kyrene and identified with their chief god Zeus. His was the most important cult in Kyrene, where a Hellenized version of him was worshipped as Zeus Ammon. In Greek cities he was usually depicted as a Zeus-like figure but with the ram's horns of the Egyptian Ammon added. On the reverse of this coin, the silphium plant is depicted. The city's wealth depended upon the now-extinct silphium plant, grown only in Kyrene, which became the regular device for the city's coins. Its stalk was eaten as a vegetable, and the sap from its stem and root was used as a seasoning, a perfume, and a contraceptive drug. 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 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 passed down from the hands of one generation to another, from one civilization to another. - (C.7490)   « Less