Greek and Roman Coinage

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to Greek and Roman coinage.

Numismatics

The study or collection of currency, including coins.

Electrum

A naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, used for coinage.

Bimetallism

The use of both gold and silver as the basis for a currency system.

Drachm

A silver coin of Ancient Greece, commonly used as a standard denomination.

Tetradrachm

A coin worth four drachmas, often featuring intricate designs.

Obol

A small denomination of currency in ancient Greece, worth a fraction of a drachm.

Aegina

An ancient Greek city-state known for its distinctive coinage.

Monogram

A motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters, often used in inscriptions on coins.

Hoards

Collections of coins and other valuables, often buried for safekeeping.

Weight Standards

Systems used to ensure consistent weight and value in coinage.

Purity

The proportion of precious metal in a coin, important for its value.

Atheian Owl

A symbol of wisdom, featured prominently on Athenian coinage.

Law of Supply and Demand

An economic principle influencing trade and currency value.

Roman Denarius

The standard silver coin of the Roman Republic, used extensively in commerce.

Political Messaging

The depiction of imagery on currency used to convey political power or authority.

Archaic Coinage

Early coinage characterized by simple designs and regional differences.

Roman Republic

The period of ancient Roman civilization characterized by a republican form of government.

Imperial Coinage

Coins minted during the Roman Empire, often featuring emperors and symbols of power.

Cilicia

A region in southern Anatolia, known for its coinage during the Hellenistic period.

Challenges in Interpreting Architectural Imagery

Difficulties in analyzing artistic representations of architecture on coins due to simplification and distortion.

Aegis

A protective cloak or shield, often associated with Athena.

Sestertius

A large brass coin used in the Roman Empire, valued at 2.5 denarii.

Severan Arch

An arch commemorating Emperor Septimius Severus, showcasing triumphal themes.

Concordia

The Roman goddess of harmony, often depicted on coins to symbolize unity.