Ancient Greek Silver Tetradrachm, 168–148 BCE, Thasos, Head of Dionysos, Superb High-Grade Condition

This large silver tetradrachm is a superb high-grade example of classical ancient Greek coinage struck around 168 to 148 BCE. The front design features the head of young Dionysos, wreathed with ivy and berries and with a band across his forehead. The back design features Heracles standing holding a club, with a lion skin over his arm. The coin was struck at Thasos, a large island about seven kilometres off the coast of Thrace. A certificate of authenticity and information page are included with this coin.

This type of coin played an important role in ancient times, allowing for widespread trade between the Greek islands and throughout the empire which encompassed most of the Western world. The large-scale mining of silver and gold and minting of coins financed the conquests of ancient Greece, the building of great public theatres, monuments and public works, and the spread of Greek culture and knowledge.

At the time this coin was struck, the wines of Thasos were well known and recognized as being some of the best available anywhere. It is therefore not surprising that the coinage of Thasos featured an image of Dionysos, the god of fertility and the wine harvest. In addition to facilitating commerce, the coinage of ancient Thasos also served as an advertisement to promote one of the island's most important exports.

Includes:
• Ancient Greek Silver Tetradrachm, Head of Dionysos, 168–148 BCE