Greek Coins (Classical Bookshelf) [Paperback]

Ian Carradice (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classical Bookshelf | Publication Date: October 1995

Of the many traditions we have inherited from the ancient Greeks, the use of coins should rank as one of the most important. From its first appearance in the region of Lydia (western Turkey) in the late-17th century BC, coinage gradually spread throughout the Greek world, and the history of the ancient Greeks is reflected in its evolution. Designs on Greek coins include the badges of city-states, portraits of rulers, images of Greek gods, scenes from myths and objects of daily life, and are often works of art in themselves. The dies, carved by craftsmen, sometimes bear the name or initials of the mint official responsible for their issue, and the coins might have circulated in trade, been used as gifts or dedications, or hoarded as valuables. This text is an accessible introduction to the evolution of the first coinage, from the 7th to the 1st century BC. The book shows how Greek coins can throw light on an ancient world of wide geographical boundaries and great cultural diversity. It also considers the lasting impact of Greek coins on later civilizations. The illustrations present the full range of the die-carver's achievement, revealing many Greek coins to be miniature masterpieces of sculpture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Ltd; First Edition edition (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714122106
• ISBN-13: 978-0714122106
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,595,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Generally good, but short., October 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Greek Coins (Paperback)

This book is basically a century per chapter of Greek coins with a nice, round selection of pictures from each. From a representative sample of the great variety of coins known, the book concentrates on the archeological evidence for dating coins and discusses the history of the factors that caused the cultures to produce them.

Some very nice coins are pictured within 112 pages and 8 chapters. It gives a basic outline of greek history according to coinage and is introductory in its nature.