Bronze coins of Apollonia and Dyrrhachium

Last updated: 22 July 2008 - still under construction

Contents of this page

  1. Introduction
  2. Apollonia
  3. Dyrrhachium

1. Introduction

In ancient Greece, bronze coins usually represent low-value small change; not intended for foreign transactions. This explains why there were no similar bronze pieces produced in Apollonia and Dyrrhachium despite their obvious monetary alliance for silver coins.

The chronological classification of the bronze issues is still less clear therefore I show examples only for the time being.

Bronze coins may suffer from corrosion unless a resistent patina protects them for gradual dissolution. Few pieces have been preserved in nice, identifiable condition.

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2. Apollonia

  1. Artemis - tripod

    Artemis-tripod

    Obv. Head of Artemis to right. Monogram behind neck. Rev. Tripod within laurel wreath. AΠOΛΛΩ / NIATAN (APOLLO / NIATAN). BMC 47.

  2. Demeter - tripod

  3. Apollo - obelisk

  4. Dionysos - cornucopia

  5. Apollo - lyra

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3. Dyrrhachium

  1. Zeus - tripod

  2. Herakles - bow, club, and quiver

  3. Helios - prow

  4. Aphrodite - eagle

  5. Nike - palm and bunch of grapes

The most variations of the Zeus-tripod type bronze issues can be found in the Elbasan hoard:

  1. Gjongecaj, S. Le trésor de Lleshan (Elbasan). Revue Numismatique (2007) 712-713.
  2. Gjongecaj, S. Tezari i Lleshanit. 1-34 [in Albanian].

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