April 17, 2023
Silver coins have been used as a form of currency for thousands of years, with evidence of silver coins dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Persia. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of silver coins in antiquity and their role in the development of early economies.
The first known silver coins were produced in ancient Greece, around the 6th century BCE. These coins were made from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and were used primarily for trade within the Greek city-states. The design of these coins featured images of various gods and goddesses, as well as other important symbols such as animals and ships.
As the Greek civilization expanded and trade increased, the use of silver coins spread to other regions, including Rome. The Roman Empire used silver coins as a form of currency, with the denarius becoming the standard silver coin in the 3rd century BCE. The design of the denarius featured the image of the reigning emperor and other symbols associated with Roman culture and mythology.
In Persia, silver coins were first produced during the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), and were known as darics. These coins were made from pure gold or silver, and featured the image of the Persian king on one side and the image of an archer on the other. The daric became an important form of currency throughout the Persian Empire and continued to be used for centuries.
Silver coins played a crucial role in the development of early economies, as they allowed for more efficient trade and commerce. The use of standardized silver coins helped to establish a common value for goods and services, and made it easier for merchants to conduct business across regions and cultures. As economies grew and trade expanded, the use of silver coins became more widespread, leading to the establishment of modern banking and financial systems.
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to ancient coins, "The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage" edited by William E. Metcalf is a great choice. You can find it on Amazon and other booksellers, and it's available in both print and digital formats.
"The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage" covers a wide range of topics, including the production, circulation, and use of coins in ancient economies, as well as the art, iconography, and cultural significance of coins. The book also includes chapters on specific regions and periods of ancient coinage, such as Hellenistic Greece, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire.
In addition to its wealth of information, "The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage" is also well-organized and easy to use. The book includes numerous illustrations and photographs to help readers identify and understand ancient coins, as well as a glossary of key terms and a comprehensive bibliography for further reading.