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The coins of ancient Greek cities

In the ancient Greek world currencies issued by the city-states. These, regardless of the extent and strength, were autonomous economy and different currency each, which stood out from the formulas. Each city depicted on coins relevant performances to its citizens, coming from history, mythology, the characteristics of products. They cut mainly silver coins, gold and less from the 4th century. BC many bronze. Rarely used in iron and other alloys. Aegina, Corinth and Athens minted the first silver coins Greek and spread the use of the currency in the rest of the known world.

The coinage of Athens

From the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD Athens minted coins mainly in silver, later copper and gold coins. The silver Athenian tetradrachm released from Italy to Afghanistan and was one of the strongest and longest coins of the ancient Greek world. The Athenian tetradrachm was also the most widespread currency in the heyday of Athens in the 5th century, ie up to the time of Alexander the Great, when the Macedonian prevailed currencies. On one side is depicted Athena and the other the symbol of Athens, the owl (owl)

The coins of kings: Philip II

A new era in social, economic and political structure of the ancient world was marked with Philip II, king of Macedonia. From 359 to 336 BC has extended the boundaries of the state and make the greatest power in Greece. As obverse of silver tetradrachms, -for the first time selected in the currencies of the kings of Macedonia the head of Zeus. For the other side selected two types: the man on horseback, which according to some views is Philip himself, and the young horseman holding a palm branch and a reference to the winning horse of Phillip Olympiad in 356 BC

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great reigned from 336 until 323 BC He continued the work of his father Philip II and created a vast empire that stretched from Macedonia to the Far East.

Silver tetradrachm of Alexander III, 323-320 BC (posthumously cutting).

Alexander applied the single monetary policy in the vast state. He imposed a version of the same type from several simultaneously mints while for coins in precious metals followed the Athenian weight standard which was widely accepted at that time. Impressive amounts of silver and gold Alexandrian cuts swarmed the markets of the Eastern Mediterranean, and this contributed to the return of veteran and mercenary of Alexander in their homelands.