Coins


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Coins

Coins: Coins are pieces of metal that used as money. The study of coins is called numismatics. Coins tell us about the kingdom, confirms dates during which particular kings ruled, their special interest and achievements.

Coins as an Historical Source: In the field of Classical Studies, in particular, where the quantity of sources is very restricted, coins constitute a major body of historical, economic and artistic material and evidence. The surviving coins by far outnumber other groups of sources such as ceramics and inscriptions, and contrary to most other classical remains they automatically mirror the public sphere, as by definition their value and acceptance must be guaranteed by the state.

So coins - both in themselves and in the context of hoards - are not only sources for economic history or just a medium for art work, but they can also give extensive information about - official - religion and cult, political thought, ideology and autonomous artistic features such as portraiture as well as monetary policy. Nevertheless the numismatic material is still far from being incorporated or understood, and is not well exploited in Classical Studies overall.

 

 
 


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