Coins and their circulation

Coins are an important source of information about the ancient Greek and Roman world, and their issuance by official authorities (cities, Koina, nations, rulers) renders them symbols and bearers of messages.

The invention of coinage facilitated transactions and simplified previous methods, thanks to their small size and the symbols on their surfaces. Greek cities used their symbols (heroes, gods, animals, plants, etc.) to mark their coins, and despite the succinctness of their individual elements, they provide information about the history of artistic creation at the time of their minting, the monetary policy, historical or mythological events, and commercial relations.

Thus, coins are rightly considered masterpieces of ancient miniature art and stamping.

The precious metal gave the coin its value, the small size made it easy to transport, and the symbol of each issuing authority provided assurance of its weight and authenticity.

Most independent major cities minted their own coins, in designated facilities called mints. The Koina (confederations that were created during the Hellenistic period) circulated a coin minted by the seat of the Koinon. City-states and rulers would issue coins to consolidate their autonomy and sovereignty, as well as to facilitate financial transactions. Usually, Greek states enforced the use of their own coins within their territorial boundaries but did not ban the circulation of coins minted by other cities. They did however try to restricte such circulation by taking appropriate measures.

In the excavation site of the Sanctuary of Demeter and its auxiliary structures, the coins discovered originated from the North (Amphipolis, Macedonia) and reached as far as the Achaean League to the South, which is evidence of the wide circulation of coinage at the sanctuary. The presence of coins from the Aetolian League, Thessaly, and Macedonia, as well as silver coins from Sicyon and Chalkis, highlight the significance of the sanctuary.

Moreover, based on numismatic evidence, the use of an important road artery connecting Southern and Northern Greece, dating back to the 4th century B.C., is evident.

Coins circulated in a sanctuary often provide information about the origins of the visitors-worshippers, also indicating the small-scale transactions that took place there.  The arrival of visitors entailed the provision of food, lodging, as well as a supply of sacrificial animals.

In conclusion, coins, although products of mass production, are a primary source of knowledge about the past, demonstrating resilience over time and narrating the historical moment.  They provide information about the history of art at the time of their minting, and the depictions on their surfaces are testimony of lost masterpieces and architectural works. The value of the knowledge provided to us by coins, creates a frame of reference for cultural and economic matters.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Τσέλεκας, Π. (2017). Χρήμα και Τέχνη στο Χρήμα. Σύμβολα απτά στην αρχαία Ελλάδα, Αθήναι, 2017, σ. 137-147

Ανδρέου, Α., Τσέλεκας, Π. (2017). Νόμισμα και αρχαία ελληνικά ιερά στην Πελοπόννησο στο Οβολός 10, Το νόμισμα στην Πελοπόννησο, Αθήνα, BCH, A’ (57)

Ευγενίδου, Δ. κ.α. (2008). Το νόμισμα στον αρχαίο ελληνικό κόσμο στο Η ιστορία του νομίσματος, Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού και Τουρισμού – Νομισματικό Μουσείο, σ. 15-40