Greek Coins [Paperback]

Ian Carradice (Author), Carradice (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1995

Of the many traditions inherited from the ancient Greeks, one of the most successful has been the use of coined metal as money. Coins first appeared in the region of Lydia (western Turkey) in the late seventh century B.C. and gradually spread throughout the Greek world. Coin designs show the badges of city-states, the portraits of rulers, Greek gods, myths, and objects of daily life. Carved by Greek craftsmen, some of the designs are works of art, miniature masterpieces of sculpture. Coins were circulated in trade, used as gifts or dedications, and hoarded as valuables. They were part of the fabric of Greek life, and those that now survive provide a physical link between the modern world and the ancient Greeks. Ian Carradice outlines the history of Greek coins from the seventh to the first centuries B.C., showing how they reveal a world that has both wide geographical boundaries and great cultural diversity. He also considers the lasting impact of Greek coins on later civilizations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1st University of Texas Press ed edition (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292711840
• ISBN-13: 978-0292711846
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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.