100 Greatest Ancient Coins by Harlan J. Berk

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100 Greatest Ancient Coins by Harlan J. Berk

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Introduction to the World of Ancient Coins

Coin collecting is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to history, culture, and art. In his masterpiece, 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, Harlan J. Berk invites readers to explore a curated collection of the most significant and fascinating coins from antiquity. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a history enthusiast, this book offers an unparalleled journey through the ages.

100 Greatest Ancient Coins

What Makes 100 Greatest Ancient Coins Special?

This book is a celebration of the artistry and history encapsulated in ancient coins. Berk combines expert insights with stunning visuals to make this a must-have for collectors and historians alike.

Key Highlights
  1. Comprehensive Coverage
    • Showcases coins from various ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
  2. Rich Historical Context
    • Each coin is accompanied by a detailed history, making the book a blend of numismatics and storytelling.
  3. Expert Guidance
    • Berk shares tips for collectors, helping readers understand rarity, value, and preservation techniques.
  4. High-Quality Imagery
    • Full-color photographs provide an up-close view of the intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Overview of the Book’s Content of 100 Greatest Ancient Coins

1. Greek Coins

The book delves into the elegance of ancient Greek coinage, such as:

  • Athenian Tetradrachm: Known for its iconic owl design, symbolizing wisdom.
  • Dekadrachm of Syracuse: A masterpiece showcasing advanced minting techniques.
2. Roman Coins

From the Republic to the Empire, Roman coins reflect their history:

  • Denarius of Julius Caesar: The first Roman coin to feature a living ruler.
  • Aureus of Augustus: Celebrates the birth of the Roman Empire.
3. Byzantine Coins

Berk explores the religious and imperial themes of Byzantine coinage, like:

  • Solidus of Justinian I: A symbol of the empire’s golden age.
4. Other Civilizations

The book also highlights coins from ancient Persia, India, and beyond, showcasing their unique contributions to numismatics.

Who Is Harlan J. Berk?

Harlan J. Berk is a renowned numismatist with decades of experience in ancient coins. As a dealer, historian, and collector, his expertise shines in this book, making it a trusted resource for enthusiasts worldwide.

Why Should You Read 100 Greatest Ancient Coins?

  1. Learn History Through Coins
    • Each coin narrates a story of its time—political upheavals, cultural milestones, and economic systems.
  2. Enhance Your Collection
    • Discover rare and valuable coins to add to your collection.
  3. Appreciate the Art
    • Ancient coins are miniature masterpieces, reflecting the aesthetics of their era.
  4. Practical Guidance
    • Gain insights into grading, authenticity checks, and market trends.

How to Use 100 Greatest Ancient Coins Book

  • For Beginners: Start with the historical overviews to learn the basics of ancient coins.
  • For Collectors: Use the detailed descriptions to identify and evaluate coins in your collection.
  • For Enthusiasts: Enjoy the stunning visuals and captivating stories behind each coin.

FAQs About 100 Greatest Ancient Coins

1. Is this book suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Berk provides clear explanations and fascinating insights that are accessible to all readers.

2. Can I use this book as a guide for collecting?
Yes! It includes practical tips and highlights key factors like rarity, provenance, and condition.

3. Where can I buy this book?
The book is available on major online platforms like Amazon, as well as specialized numismatic stores.

Click here to get free access to the 100 Greatest Ancient Coins ebook

Ancient coins from the Roman Republic

Here is the 100 Greatest Ancient Coins list with their respective legends, descriptions, mints, and years!

1. Brutus “Eid Mar” Denarius

  • Legend: EID MAR (Ides of March)
  • Description: Commemorates Julius Caesar’s assassination with daggers and a liberty cap.
  • Mint: Rome or a traveling military mint.
  • Year: 42 BCE

2. Athens Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΑΘΕ (Athens)
  • Description: Features Athena’s helmeted head and the iconic owl.
  • Mint: Athens, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 460–430 BCE

3. Euainetos Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ (Syracuse)
  • Description: Known for artistic brilliance, showing Arethusa and a charioteer.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

4. Naxos Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΝΑΞΙΩΝ (Naxos)
  • Description: Depicts Dionysus with a kantharos and a satyr on the reverse.
  • Mint: Naxos, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 460 BCE

5. Syracuse Demareteion Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ (Syracuse)
  • Description: Struck after a victory against Carthage, featuring Arethusa and a chariot scene.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 480 BCE

6. Kimon Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΚΙΜΩΝΟΣ (Kimon)
  • Description: A stunning coin by the engraver Kimon, depicting Arethusa with dolphins.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

7. Arethusa Facing Head Tetradrachm by Kimon

  • Legend: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ
  • Description: Features a lifelike depiction of Arethusa, surrounded by dolphins.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

8. Acragas Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΑΚΡΑΓΑΝΤΙΝΩΝ (Acragas)
  • Description: It depicts an eagle and a crab, representing the city’s symbols.
  • Mint: Acragas (Agrigento), Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 410 BCE

9. The Coinage of Croesus

  • Legend: None (simple punch mark)
  • Description: Among the first coins, featuring a lion and bull.
  • Mint: Sardis, Lydia.
  • Year: Circa 560–546 BCE

10. Athens Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΑΘΕ (Athens)
  • Description: Features Athena’s profile and an owl.
  • Mint: Athens, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 430–400 BCE

11. Titus Colosseum Sestertius

  • Legend: IMP T VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII
  • Description: Commemorates the completion of the Colosseum.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 80 CE

12. Cleopatra and Mark Antony Portrait Denarius

  • Legend: ANT AVG / CLEOPATRAE REGINAE
  • Description: Features portraits of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
  • Mint: Military mint in the eastern Mediterranean.
  • Year: 32 BCE

13. Nero Port of Ostia Sestertius

  • Legend: NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS
  • Description: Shows the harbor of Ostia, celebrating Roman engineering.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 64 CE

14. Caesar Portrait Denarius

  • Legend: CAESAR
  • Description: First Roman coin to depict a living individual, Julius Caesar.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 44 BCE

15. Carthaginian Dido Tetradrachm

  • Legend: None
  • Description: Depicts Queen Dido, emphasizing Carthaginian heritage.
  • Mint: Carthage, North Africa.
  • Year: Circa 300 BCE

16. Aegina Sea Turtle Stater

  • Legend: None
  • Description: Depicts a sea turtle, symbolizing Aegina’s maritime trade.
  • Mint: Aegina, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 550 BCE

17. Syracuse Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ
  • Description: A stunning example of Greek numismatic art featuring Arethusa.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 480 BCE

18. Gela Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΓΕΛΑΣ (Gela)
  • Description: Features the river god Gelas, depicted as a man-faced bull.
  • Mint: Gela, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 450 BCE

19. Syracuse Arethusa 100-Litra Coin

  • Legend: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ
  • Description: A rare coin with a graceful depiction of Arethusa.
  • Mint: Syracuse, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

20. Alexander the Great Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Alexander)
  • Description: Features Heracles in a lion skin and Zeus enthroned.
  • Mint: Various mints across Alexander’s empire, including Amphipolis and Babylon.
  • Year: 336–323 BCE

21. Acragas Skylla Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΑΚΡΑΓΑΝΤΙΝΩΝ (Acragas)
  • Description: Depicts Skylla, a mythical sea monster, symbolizing maritime dominance.
  • Mint: Acragas (Agrigento), Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 410 BCE

22. Aetna Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΑΙΤΝΑΙΩΝ (Aetna)
  • Description: A rare and beautifully detailed coin featuring Zeus and a river god.
  • Mint: Aetna, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 460 BCE

23. Corinth Stater

  • Legend: ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ (Corinthians)
  • Description: Features Pegasus on the obverse and Athena with a Corinthian helmet.
  • Mint: Corinth, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 350 BCE

24. Camarina Didrachm

  • Legend: ΚΑΜΑΡΙΝΑΙΩΝ (Camarina)
  • Description: Shows the river god Hipparis riding a swan.
  • Mint: Camarina, Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 425 BCE

25. Hannibal Coin

  • Legend: Various, depending on the coin.
  • Description: Struck during Hannibal’s campaign, often showing elephants or war themes.
  • Mint: Various military mints in Italy.
  • Year: Circa 218–201 BCE

26. Poseidonia Stater

  • Legend: ΠΟΣΕΙΔΩΝΙΑ (Poseidonia)
  • Description: Features Poseidon on the obverse and a bull on the reverse.
  • Mint: Poseidonia, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 500 BCE

27. Rhodes Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΡΟΔΙΟΝ (Rhodes)
  • Description: Depicts Helios radiating beams of light and a rose.
  • Mint: Rhodes, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

28. Augustus Cistophorus with Sphinx Reverse

  • Legend: AVGVSTVS
  • Description: Features Augustus and a sphinx, celebrating Roman rule in Asia Minor.
  • Mint: Pergamum, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 19 BCE

29. Amphipolis Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΑΜΦΙΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ (Amphipolitans)
  • Description: Features Apollo’s laureate head and a race torch.
  • Mint: Amphipolis, Macedonia.
  • Year: Circa 360 BCE

30. Cleopatra VII Ascalon Mint Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑ (Cleopatra the Queen)
  • Description: Portrait of Cleopatra VII, one of the most iconic queens of antiquity.
  • Mint: Ascalon, Syria.
  • Year: 51–30 BCE

31. Caracalla Circus Maximus Sestertius

  • Legend: M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
  • Description: Depicts the Circus Maximus, the grand Roman chariot-racing stadium.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 211–217 CE

32. Tarentum Gold Stater

  • Legend: ΤΑΡΑΣ (Taras)
  • Description: Features a boy riding a dolphin and Nike crowning a warrior.
  • Mint: Tarentum, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 320 BCE

33. Vespasian “Judea Capta” Sestertius

  • Legend: IVDAEA CAPTA
  • Description: Celebrates the Roman victory over Judea, with Judea depicted as a mourning figure.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 71 CE

34. Aes Grave As

  • Legend: None (symbolic designs).
  • Description: A large cast bronze coin, one of the earliest Roman coins.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 280 BCE

35. Octavian and Julius Caesar Aureus

  • Legend: CAESAR DIVI F
  • Description: Features Octavian and Julius Caesar, highlighting Octavian’s claim to divine lineage.
  • Mint: Rome or Gaul.
  • Year: 43 BCE

36. Metapontum Stater

  • Legend: ΜΕΤΑΠΟΝΤΙΩΝ (Metapontians)
  • Description: Depicts a grain ear, symbolizing agricultural wealth.
  • Mint: Metapontum, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 530 BCE

37. First Revolt Year 5 Shekel

  • Legend: שקל ישראל (Shekel Israel)
  • Description: Minted during the Jewish Revolt, with Jewish religious imagery.
  • Mint: Jerusalem, Judea.
  • Year: 70 CE

38. Delphic Tridrachm

  • Legend: ΑΜΦΙΚΤΥΟΝΩΝ (Amphictyony)
  • Description: Features Apollo seated with a laurel branch.
  • Mint: Delphi, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 338 BCE

39. Panticapaeum Gold Stater

  • Legend: ΠΑΝΤΙΚΑΠΑΙΟΥ (Panticapaeum)
  • Description: Shows the head of Pan and a griffin.
  • Mint: Panticapaeum (modern Crimea).
  • Year: Circa 350 BCE

40. Quintus Labienus Aureus

  • Legend: Q LABIENVS PARTHICVS IMP
  • Description: Struck by a Roman defector in service of Parthia, featuring a horse.
  • Mint: Parthian Empire.
  • Year: 40 BCE

41. Britannicus Sestertius

  • Legend: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG F BRITANNICUS
  • Description: Features Britannicus, son of Claudius, with a youthful portrait.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 50–54 CE

42. Cos Discus Thrower Stater

  • Legend: ΚΩΙΩΝ (Koion)
  • Description: Depicts an athlete about to throw a discus.
  • Mint: Cos, Caria (Asia Minor).
  • Year: Circa 480 BCE

43. Alexander the Great Porus Decadrachm

  • Legend: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Alexander)
  • Description: Celebrates Alexander’s victory over King Porus, showing a battle scene.
  • Mint: Babylon or Susa.
  • Year: Circa 325 BCE

44. Philip II Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ (Philip’s)
  • Description: Depicts Zeus on the obverse and a charioteer on the reverse, symbolizing Olympic victories.
  • Mint: Pella, Macedonia.
  • Year: Circa 359–336 BCE

45. Tarentum Horseman Stater

  • Legend: ΤΑΡΑΣ (Taras)
  • Description: Features a horseman and a youth riding a dolphin.
  • Mint: Tarentum, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 340 BCE

46. Sextus Pompey Aureus

  • Legend: MAG PIVS IMP ITER
  • Description: Features Neptune and a ship, symbolizing Pompey’s naval power.
  • Mint: Sicily.
  • Year: Circa 37 BCE

47. Clazomenae Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΚΛΑΖΟΜΕΝΑΙΩΝ (Clazomenae)
  • Description: Features Apollo with a swan.
  • Mint: Clazomenae, Ionia (Asia Minor).
  • Year: Circa 380 BCE

48. Cnossus Minotaur Stater

  • Legend: ΚΝΩΣΙΩΝ (Knossians)
  • Description: Depicts the Minotaur and a labyrinth design.
  • Mint: Knossos, Crete.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

49. Alexander I of Macedonia Octadrachm

  • Legend: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
  • Description: Depicts a horseman and a victory wreath, celebrating military success.
  • Mint: Macedonia.
  • Year: Circa 480 BCE

50. Tiberius Denarius (Biblical Tribute Penny)

  • Legend: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS
  • Description: Features Emperor Tiberius, referenced in the Bible as the “Tribute Penny.”
  • Mint: Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France).
  • Year: 14–37 CE

51. Pergamon Gold Stater

  • Legend: ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ (Philetairos)
  • Description: Depicts the founder of the Pergamon kingdom, Philetairos.
  • Mint: Pergamon, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 280 BCE

52. Lysimachus Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ (Lysimachus)
  • Description: Features Alexander the Great with Zeus enthroned.
  • Mint: Lampsacus, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 297 BCE

53. Augustus Facing Portrait Denarius

  • Legend: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE
  • Description: A rare coin with Augustus’s front-facing portrait.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 27 BCE

54. Larissa Drachm

  • Legend: ΛΑΡΙΣΣΑΙΩΝ (Larissaeans)
  • Description: Depicts the nymph Larissa in a three-quarters facing view.
  • Mint: Larissa, Thessaly.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

55. Zeus Olympic Stater

  • Legend: ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ (Olympia)
  • Description: Depicts Zeus seated with an eagle.
  • Mint: Olympia, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 350 BCE

56. Demetrius Poliorcetes Tetradrachm with Nike on Prow

  • Legend: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ (Demetrius)
  • Description: Depicts Demetrius Poliorcetes with Nike on the prow of a ship.
  • Mint: Macedonian mints.
  • Year: Circa 300 BCE

57. Trajan Danube Bridge Sestertius

  • Legend: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
  • Description: Commemorates the construction of the Danube Bridge.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 105 CE

58. Berenike II Dodecadrachm or Pentadecadrachm

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΒΕΡΕΝΙΚΗΣ (Queen Berenike)
  • Description: Features a portrait of Queen Berenike II.
  • Mint: Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Year: Circa 246 BCE

59. Bar Kochba Year 1 Tetradrachm

  • Legend: שמעון נשיא ישראל (Shimon, Prince of Israel)
  • Description: Minted during the Bar Kochba revolt with Jewish symbols.
  • Mint: Jerusalem, Judea.
  • Year: 132 CE

60. Caligula Three Sisters Sestertius

  • Legend: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICUS PON M TR POT
  • Description: Depicts Caligula’s sisters Agrippina, Drusilla, and Julia.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 37–41 CE

61. Ephesus Phanes Electrum Stater

  • Legend: ΦΑΝΕΩΣ (Phanes)
  • Description: One of the earliest inscribed coins, featuring a stag and a tunny fish.
  • Mint: Ephesus, Ionia.
  • Year: Circa 625 BCE

62. Jerusalem Temple Shekel

  • Legend: שקל ישראל (Shekel of Israel)
  • Description: Features the chalice of the temple and a budding pomegranate, symbolizing Jewish faith.
  • Mint: Jerusalem, Judea.
  • Year: 66–70 CE

63. Flamininus Gold Stater

  • Legend: ΤΙΜΑΙΟΣ
  • Description: Commemorates Titus Flamininus, with his portrait and Nike crowning a trophy.
  • Mint: Macedonia.
  • Year: Circa 196 BCE

64. Constantinople Five-Siliqua Coinage

  • Legend: CONSTANTINOPOLIS
  • Description: A rare gold coin celebrating the founding of Constantinople.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: 330 CE

65. Postumus Facing Head Aureus

  • Legend: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
  • Description: Features Postumus’s facing portrait, showcasing Gallic independence.
  • Mint: Trier, Gaul.
  • Year: 260–269 CE

66. Hadrian Year 874 of Rome Aureus

  • Legend: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
  • Description: Celebrates Rome’s 874th anniversary with the she-wolf and Romulus and Remus.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 121 CE

67. Perseus “Zoilos” Silver Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΕΡΣΕΩΣ (King Perseus)
  • Description: Depicts Perseus and an eagle, symbolizing Macedonian royalty.
  • Mint: Pella, Macedonia.
  • Year: 179–168 BCE

68. Oath-Taking Stater

  • Legend: ΔΕΛΦΩΝ (Delphians)
  • Description: Commemorates Greek unity, showing two warriors clasping hands.
  • Mint: Delphi, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 338 BCE

69. Thebes Stater

  • Legend: ΘΕΒΑΙΩΝ (Thebans)
  • Description: Features Heracles and a Boeotian shield, representing Theban power.
  • Mint: Thebes, Greece.
  • Year: Circa 400 BCE

70. Licinius I and Licinius II Facing Bust Aurei

  • Legend: DN LICINIVS AVG ET IVN LICINIVS NOB C
  • Description: Features Licinius I and Licinius II, representing imperial dynastic propaganda.
  • Mint: Nicomedia, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 317 CE

71. 40-As Gold Coin

  • Legend: AVGVSTVS DIVI F
  • Description: A unique large gold coin celebrating Augustus’s rule.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 27 BCE

72. Sulla Aureus

  • Legend: L SVLLA IMP
  • Description: Depicts Venus and a trophy, celebrating Sulla’s military successes.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 82 BCE

73. Sulla’s Dream Denarius

  • Legend: Q POMPEI RVFINI
  • Description: Features Sulla receiving Jupiter’s favor in a dream.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 54 BCE

74. Arsinoë II Gold Octadrachm

  • Legend: ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ (Arsinoë, Sister-Loving)
  • Description: Features Queen Arsinoë II and twin cornucopias.
  • Mint: Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Year: Circa 270 BCE

75. Cyzicus Electrum Staters

  • Legend: ΚΥΖΙΚΟΥ (Cyzicus)
  • Description: A series of coins featuring varying mythological themes.
  • Mint: Cyzicus, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 550 BCE

76. Elagabalus Aureus With Stone of Emesa in Quadriga

  • Legend: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
  • Description: Depicts the sacred Stone of Emesa being paraded in a chariot.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 220 CE

77. Justinian II Christ Solidus (First Reign)

  • Legend: DN IHXP REX REGNANTIVM (Jesus Christ, King of Kings)
  • Description: Features Christ Pantocrator, one of the first coins to depict Jesus.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: Circa 685–695 CE

78. Clodius Macer Portrait Denarius

  • Legend: L CLODI MACRI IMP
  • Description: Features Clodius Macer, a rebel against Nero’s rule.
  • Mint: North Africa.
  • Year: 68 CE

79. Pharnaces I of Pontus Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΑΡΝΑΚΟΥ (King Pharnaces)
  • Description: Depicts Pharnaces I with a regal portrait and Zeus seated.
  • Mint: Amisos, Pontus.
  • Year: Circa 180 BCE

80. Eucratides I Heroic Bust Coin

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ (King Eucratides the Great)
  • Description: Features Eucratides wearing a helmet, showcasing his military prowess.
  • Mint: Bactria.
  • Year: Circa 170 BCE

81. Ionia Electrum Stater

  • Legend: None (early uninscribed coin).
  • Description: One of the earliest coins, featuring a simple punch mark and a lion’s head.
  • Mint: Ionia, Asia Minor.
  • Year: Circa 650 BCE

82. Orophernes Silver Tetradrachm

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΟΡΟΦΕΡΝΟΥΣ (King Orophernes)
  • Description: Features Orophernes and Zeus enthroned with a scepter.
  • Mint: Cappadocia.
  • Year: Circa 159 BCE

83. Commodus Portrait Sestertius With Lion Skin of Hercules

  • Legend: L AELIVS AVRELIVS COMMODVS AVG
  • Description: Depicts Commodus dressed as Hercules, holding a club.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 190 CE

84. Ptolemy III Dynastic Octadrachm

  • Legend: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ (King Ptolemy)
  • Description: Features Ptolemy III and his wife, Berenike II, symbolizing dynastic unity.
  • Mint: Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Year: Circa 246 BCE

85. Romulus Augustulus Solidus

  • Legend: DN ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS PF AVG
  • Description: Features Romulus Augustulus, the last Western Roman Emperor.
  • Mint: Ravenna, Italy.
  • Year: 475–476 CE

86. Septimius Severus Aureus With Julia and Both Sons

  • Legend: SEVERI PII AVG FILI
  • Description: Celebrates the Severan dynasty with portraits of Julia Domna and their sons.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 200 CE

87. Septimius Severus “Ship in Circus” Aureus

  • Legend: SEVERVS PIVS AVG
  • Description: Depicts a ship used in naval games in the Circus Maximus.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 202 CE

88. Philip I Millennial Games Coinage

  • Legend: MILLENNIUM SAECVLVM NOVVM
  • Description: Celebrates Rome’s millennium with various depictions of festivities.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: 248 CE

89. Clodius Albinus Aureus

  • Legend: IMP CAES D CLODIVS ALBINVS AVG
  • Description: Features Clodius Albinus as a contender for the Roman throne.
  • Mint: Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France).
  • Year: 193–197 CE

90. Noah’s Ark Coin

  • Legend: NVH (Noah)
  • Description: Depicts Noah’s Ark and a dove carrying an olive branch.
  • Mint: Armenia.
  • Year: Circa 300 CE

91. Melos Stater

  • Legend: ΜΗΛΙΩΝ (Melian)
  • Description: Features an apple, a pun on the island’s name, Melos.
  • Mint: Melos, Cyclades.
  • Year: Circa 460 BCE

92. Carausius et Fratres Sui Antoninianus

  • Legend: CARAUSIVS ET FRATRES SVI
  • Description: Depicts Carausius and his co-rulers, celebrating his alliance.
  • Mint: Britain.
  • Year: Circa 286 CE

93. Justinian II Christ Solidus (Second Reign)

  • Legend: DN IHXP REX REGNANTIVM (Jesus Christ, King of Kings)
  • Description: Features Christ Pantocrator and Justinian II.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: 705–711 CE

94. Constantine XI Stavraton

  • Legend: ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΩΝ (Constantine, King of the Romans)
  • Description: Features Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: 1448–1453 CE

95. Gallienus “Gallienae Augustae” Aureus

  • Legend: IMP GALLIENVS AVG
  • Description: Honors Gallienus’s wife, Salonina, with her portrait.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 260 CE

96. Antoninus Pius Labors of Hercules Drachms

  • Legend: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
  • Description: A series of coins depicting the labors of Hercules.
  • Mint: Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Year: Circa 145 CE

97. Herennia Etruscilla Double Sestertius

  • Legend: HERENNIA ETRVSCILLA AVG
  • Description: Depicts Herennia Etruscilla, wife of Emperor Decius.
  • Mint: Rome, Italy.
  • Year: Circa 250 CE

98. Justinian I Follis

  • Legend: DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG
  • Description: Features Justinian I and a large “M” symbolizing 40 nummi.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: 527–565 CE

99. John I Zimisces Anonymous Follis

  • Legend: None (anonymous).
  • Description: Features Christ Pantocrator, representing the faith of the Byzantine Empire.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: Circa 969–976 CE

100. Michael V Coin

  • Legend: ΜΙΧΑΗΛ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ (Michael Caesar)
  • Description: Features Michael V with religious iconography.
  • Mint: Constantinople, Byzantine Empire.
  • Year: 1041–1042 CE

Conclusion

100 Greatest Ancient Coins by Harlan J. Berk is more than a book—it’s a journey through the civilizations of the past, told through their coinage. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge or admire the artistry of ancient coins, this book is an invaluable resource.

 

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