Magna Graecia

Velia, Lucania (Italy), Silver Drachm, 535-510 BCE.

Croton, Bruttium (Italy). Silver Stater, 530 BCE.

Messene, originally Zancle, in Sicily. Silver Tetradrachm, 470-466 BCE.

Herakleia, Lucania (Italy). Silver Didrachm, 400-330 BCE.

Thurii, Lucania (Italy). Silver Stater, 400-350 BCE.

Metapontum, Lucania (Italy) Silver Stater, ca. 325-300 BCE.

Tarentum or Heraclea, Calabria (Italy). Silver Diobol, 325-300 BCE.

Syracuse, Sicily. King Agathokles (317-289 BCE), Bronze Litra, Period 4, ca. 295 BCE.

Tarentum, Calabria (Italy). Silver Didrachm, 281-276 BCE.

Colonization made up a large part of Greek history. Colonies stemming from the Greek mainland started as early as the eighth century BCE. Inspiring trade and artistic innovation, these colonies were one of the largest factors in the spread of Greek/Hellenistic culture including art, food, religion, and the Greek language itself.

We see coins here from all over the Hellenistic world. Greek colonies were heavily situated along the Italian coast line, but could be found all over the Mediterranean world; even as far west as Spain and as far east as the coast of the Black Sea.

These coins are organized in a chronological fashion. Clicking on each coin individually will tell you a bit more about its history!