Ancient Coins

Comment by Thomas on February 8, 2009 at 11:22pm

Hi
Greetings to all. I have been collecting coins from childhood - though not regular during some years. I have some ancient coins (looks like) and wish to interact with all here.
Regards
Thomas

Comment by Spiltbeerpirate on February 21, 2009 at 3:26pm

I have acquired a good number of medieval Islamic coins from a friend in eastern Afghanistan, I was wondering if anybody could point me toward someone who can help me identify them. Most of what I have identified so far has been Meharbanid coinage. Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Ryan

Comment by Mithun Bose on June 3, 2009 at 9:32am

I can explain a little about this coin as I have many of those which looks rare but are not. The details of the coin is that Athens was named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who according to Greek Mythology, sprang fully grown from the head of her father Zeus.

The portrait of Athena is probably the oldest example of a human head on an ancient coin.

The owl is a symbol of the goddess Athena, she was said to have been 'bright eyed' or 'owl faced'.

The olive sprig represents wisdom and peace. Athena and Poseidon were in a 'contest of miracles' for possession of Attica. Poseidon, god of the sea, struck the ground with his trident and produced a spring. The spring was too salty, so it was of little use to the people. Athena struck the ground with her spear and created the first olive tree. The people could use this tree as a source of oil, food and wood. Athena had won the contest of miracles and was made patron of Attica by Zeus.

The waning moon was added in the late fifth century. It marked the end of a period of vigil which preceded the Panathenaic games.

The owl silver tetradrachm remained unchanged for many years. This ensured that the coin was recognised as trustworthy currency.

The mines at Laurion were plentiful in silver and produced vast amounts of these coins. There were about 300 mines and they were worked by about 10-20,000 slaves. The silver was renowned as being of a very high quality and kept the Athens economy very strong for many years.

The Athenians were eventually cut off from the mines due to the Peloponnesian War in 406 B.C.

A series of silver-plated copper coins were made. (Fourree)These coins were redeemed in later years for silver.

Some collectors think that the owl tetradrachm is one of the most important and historic coins to collect. Many varieties of these coins were produced, so it is not unusual for serious collectors to specialise in this particular type.

Obverse: Head of Athena, wearing helmet, with olive leaves. Facing right.


Reverse: Owl standing, Olive sprig with berry, waning moon to the left. AOE.

Weight: 16g to 17.5g.

Comment by Thomas Albert on July 18, 2009 at 4:42pm

Hi All! I collect Late Roman Empire and related coinage. I am always willing to help out and if anyone is interested in trading, I am will to discuss it! Take a look at my page of coins. I am also writing a book on my specialty and I believe it'll be a helpful book, since I am getting so many items contributed to it. One person is allowing me to have 3 years of work and providing me the most complete list of period monograms, which will help collectors more easily identify their coins. If you are interested, go to Yahoo, and then Groups and then look up Ancient peddler, which a good group to connect with, great people. I am taking pre orders the for the book, so far I have 21 ordered already and I haven't yet finished it, but soon.

Thanks,
Tom

Comment by Smallbirdbath on August 12, 2009 at 6:27pm

Looks a good place to share knowledge.

Comment by John Nighthawk on November 5, 2009 at 5:54pm

Hi my name is John. I have an interest in ancient coins and history.Thanks for letting me join. I look forward to a good time here.

Comment by Anthony on June 28, 2010 at 7:46pm

Hello to all, anyone there?

Comment by Amit Udeshi on July 6, 2010 at 12:45pm

Hi Anthony, what do you mainly collect?

Comment by Rick Cross on July 11, 2010 at 3:10am

Greetings these are my ancient coin's

Comment by Matthew Helm on August 21, 2010 at 11:48am

i opened up a forum discussion about ancient (Roman) coin fakes and counterfeits information sources. would be grateful for any input regarding this topic. thanks much! matthew.

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