Ancient Roman and Greek Coins, Common Types

Constantinopolis
This is a very common copper coin minted in 333-334 AD near the end of the reign of Constantine the Great. It is worn and costs about $10 at a show.
It celebrates the foundation of a new captial city named in his honor, CONSTANTINOPOLIS, "Constantine's city." [This is the obverse legend. You can see the suffix "POLIS" in English words referring to cities, such as metropolis."] The city is now the largest city in Turkey, named Istanbul. The obverse bust is not of Constantine, but of the city herself, personified as a helmeted warrior with a sceptre (denoting power) over her shoulder. They come in high grade for $40 or less.
The reverse shows Victory with her foot on a tiny ship's prow. It commemorates a naval battle which secured the site of the city for Constantine.
 

Byzantine with ChristA very common Byzantine coin of Basil II and Constantine VIII, AD 976-1028. It costs about $20 - $30 at a show in this condition (which is well above average). The obverse shows a facing bust of Christ (with a halo) and the reverse says "Jesus Christ, ruler of kings" in Greek. Nowhere is John mentioned, which is why this type of coin is called an "anonymous" bronze.


 

Alexander the GreatA silver coin of Alexander the Great. The obverse is a bust of Hercules in a lion-skin headdress. The reverse shows Zeus (Jupiter) seated, holding an eagle. The legend "King Alexander" in Greek begins at 8:00. This example is more worn than most -- it should cost about $100.


 
 
 

Pegasus of CorinthA common (but not cheap) silver coin of of the Greek city Corinth, minted 350 - 300 BC. Pegasus (the winged horse) / head of the goddess Athena in a Corinthian helmet (tipped back to expose the face). A cornucopia is behind. It is the size of a nickle, but thicker. Cost, about $200 - $300.


 

Pan / bullA Greek copper coin of the city Pantikapion, from the 4th century BC. Pan (notice the pun on the name of the city) / bull's head. This is good artwork for a small coin of only 16mm diameter. It costs about $50 - $100 in this high grade.


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