While design is always important to reflect upon when it comes to the ancient coins topping the 100 Greatest Ancient Coins series, this entry is particularly important. Putting on a master class of Greek art, the coin from the Whitman Publishing list is an innovative balance of idealism and realism, according to author Harlan J. Berk. He will take us through this higher-ranking coin as we remind you that this top 100 list features coins from the earliest onward.
#18 – Gela Tetradrachm (Sicily – Circa 410 BC)
Located on the coast by the opening of the river Gelas, the Greek colony of Gela was one of the wealthiest on the island in the southern part of Sicily. The river was observed as a local god, something all ancient rivers were. For this reason, the city of Gela’s coinage bore the image of the river god with the head of a man and the body of a bull. However, the coin we observe today personifies the river a little differently.
Struck around 410 BC, the silver tetradrachm depicts the goddess Nike on the obverse driving a quadriga. A laurel wreath and the name of the city are also seen. The reverse features the head of the river god Gelas portrayed as a young man with a small horn, which is a mark of divinity. The three fish surrounding him, called mullets, are native to the water. According to Berk, classic Greek art is at its finest here.
Around just 20 examples are known to exist of this coin.