Tetradrachm Coins: The Silver Standard of Ancient Greece

The numismatic history praises a few prominent examples that might have influenced the whole sphere up to these days of digital (non-classical, for sure) supremacy. Back then, in Ancient Greece, there appeared tetradrachms, i.e., coins that managed to become a “standard of Antiquity” and a foundation for other trading objects to emerge. 

The Greek silver tetradrachm coin itself is a symbol of Ancient Greece, though its influence expanded on the surrounding areas as well. So, what is a tetradrachm, and how valuable might this old coin be today? Let us briefly cover the main characteristics of this significant historical attribute and learn more about the peculiar representatives of this coin group, too.

A Bit of its History: The Origin of the Tetradrachm

In essence, a tetradrachm is one of the most iconic and prominent examples of coins that appeared and developed during the renaissance of the Classical Age. The earliest instance of a silver tetradrachm coin dates back to the 6th century BCE, when Greek states required a united, more generalized currency system to make marketing relations more stable and easier to maintain.

Affected by the earlier precious-metal coinage systems (i.e., in Lydia and Persia), there appeared the tetradrachm which literally means “four drachmas” with the latter representing another (yet small) currency unit in Ancient Greece. The first coin was presumably minted in Athens with an own, i.e., the symbol of wisdom and Athena, on it. Hence, this was originally known as Athenian tetradrachm, an indicative historical element of the state and the whole region.

Initially, since a tetradrachm coin value was higher than that of an ordinary tetradrachm, it became a widely used currency in terms of large-scale trading on the territories subject to Hellenistic influence. These numismatic creations were indeed valuable (which is obvious), though their aesthetic appeal was also an indispensable part of the coins. This is why each state strived to produce the most exquisite tetradrachm with prominent illustrations and hidden meaning inside.

Characteristics of Tetradrachms

Although the nature of tetradrachm could have been different due to the various places of origin and cultural backgrounds, these represented a golden (silver, in fact) standard of coin mintage in Ancient Greece. They all were to be minted following the same patterns so as to establish a unified system in the end. Here is a generalized description of this type of coin (mainly, on the example of the Athenian Tetradrachm): 

By the way, if you wish to learn more about the Athenian coin, find its real instances, and even get into your collection, we recommend that you employ Coin ID Scanner, a fine tool for quick coin identification that serves as a profound numismatic encyclopedia for those who might need assistance 24/7. No more schedules but accurate educational and informational resources with professionals always by your side.

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The Most Prominent Examples of Tetradrachms 

Apart from the Athenian “Owl” tetradrachm, which is the first and the most symbolic coin of Ancient Greece, other states also had an opportunity to design and produce notable coins, some of which have survived to this day. What do they look like then? 

Alexander the Great Tetradrachm Coin

The tetradrachm minted in celebration of Alexander the Great is probably the second most renowned and widely circulated coin that originated in Ancient Greece. Thanks to his conquests, the influence of the Greek culture expanded rapidly on other territories, consequently bringing items like coins and the means of producing them there. 

As such, the coin’s obverse depicted a profile of the legendary hero, Heracles, wearing a headdress of the lion’s scalp, and the reverse featured the inscription “ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ” a figure of Zeus with an eagle and a scepter in his hands.

Syracusan Tetradrachm

Another prominent example of such a coin comes from the city of Syracuse, where they produced truly artistic creations with intricate designs and exceptional aesthetics. In essence, they portrayed the head of Arethusa with dolphins around the nymph on the obverse and a four-horse chariot (i.e., quadriga) in motion with a charioteer or even Nike (i.e., a goddess of victory) at the forefront. Such a delicate depiction of movement in statics.

If you think that you have found such a coin, you can use PCGS coin search and grading to understand whether you are right or not. Or you can identify coin by picture​ with an app.

Ptolemaic Tetradrachm

Some tetradrachm for sale originated not in Greece but in places that were controlled by the Hellenistic regime, and Ptolemaic tetradrachm vividly represents such an example. Founded in Egypt by Ptolemy I, one of Alexander’s generals, the Kingdom produced coins that could clearly reflect the well-being and prosperity of the country while being under the control of Greece.

As such, the obverse of the coins displayed profiles of the ruling king with their symbols of power (e.g., a crown), and the reverse featured an eagle on the thunderbolt. The legacy in detail, the power in omnipresence. 

Tetradrachm coins draw the attention of millions of collectors, thanks to their vibrant, rich history and the rarity of each instance. If you wish to delve into the atmosphere of the Classic Era, go ahead and look for these trading materials as they are absolutely worth it.

Sources: 

1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43580165 

2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4423482