Tetradrachm
The tetradrachm is one of the most famous and widely used silver coins in the ancient world and plays a central role in numismatics. The name is derived from Greek and literally means ‘four drachma piece’, referring to its value in the Attic coinage system. With an average weight of around 17.2 grams, the tetradrachm was worth four times the value of a drachma and, due to its high face value, was particularly suitable for larger commercial transactions and international trade.
The tetradrachm was first minted in the 5th century BC in Athens, which not only established a stable currency for its own polis, but also laid the foundation for one of the most influential trade coins of the entire ancient world. The famous Attic tetradrachms
feature a portrait of the goddess Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet on the obverse and an owl, the symbol of wisdom and also the heraldic animal of Athens, flanked by an olive branch and the inscription ΑΘΕ (abbreviation for ‘Athenaiōn’ – ‘the Athenian’) on the reverse. This classic design was retained for many decades and served as a model for many other coin designs in the Mediterranean region.
Over time, the tetradrachm was adopted by numerous other Greek cities and kingdoms and adapted to local stylistic preferences. The tetradrachms of Syracuse, with depictions of Arethusa or the Quadriga, are particularly magnificent and artistic, as are the royal coinage of the Hellenistic Diadochi empires, such as the portrait coinage of Alexander the Great or the Seleucids and Ptolemies. Even under Roman rule, tetradrachms continued to be minted in isolated cases, especially in the eastern provinces, where the Greek coinage system remained in force.
In a numismatic context, the tetradrachm is of historical interest not only because of its widespread circulation and silver content, but also because of its high artistic quality. Many examples are considered masterpieces of ancient coinage and offer valuable insights into the religion, mythology, politics and propaganda of their time.
Collectors still value the tetradrachm today for its diversity, iconic images and historical value. Early or rare coins regularly fetch high prices at auctions. Its importance for the ancient economy and its influence on later coinage systems make the tetradrachm one of the most important coins in numismatics.