4422) Did You Know Series (131): A Silver AR Drachm from Dyrrhachium, Illyria (modern-day Durrës in modern day Albania): Illyria Silver Drachm: A Historic “Cow Coin” minted at: Dyrrhachium, (a thriving port on the Adriatic coast in modern-day Albania): Coin Quality - "Fine" by NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Corporation): Date/Year of Minting: 3rd–1st century BC:
%20Fine%20NGC.webp)
The Illyria Dyrrhachium Silver Drachm (c. 229–48 BC) offers collectors a powerful connection to the ancient world.
This coin comes from Dyrrhachium, a thriving port on the Adriatic coast in modern-day Albania. Because of its rich history and symbolic design, it makes an excellent coin.
A Key Trade Coin in the Ancient Balkans:
Dyrrhachium began as a Greek colony in 627 BC. Over time, it grew into a major trade centre between Greek cities and Illyrian tribes.
Later, Rome established control in 229 BC. As a result, trade routes became safer and more reliable.
Because of this stability, the Illyria Dyrrhachium Silver Drachm spread widely.
Merchants used it across the Balkans, including areas now known as Romania and Bulgaria. In fact, local tribes even copied the coin. This wide use shows how much people trusted its value.
Symbolism of the Cow and Calf Design:
The Obverse design of the Silver Drachm gives this coin its famous nickname, the “Cow Coin.” It shows a cow standing right while looking back at a calf. The calf nurses beneath her, which creates a strong image of care and growth.
This design represents fertility, prosperity, and survival. In the ancient world, livestock meant wealth and security. Therefore, this imagery carried deep meaning for everyday people. Additionally, the style reflects Greek artistic traditions, especially from Euboea.
Euboea (also called Evia) is the second-largest Greek island, located in the Aegean Sea just off the eastern coast of mainland Greece, separated from it by the narrow Euripus Strait. Its capital city is Chalcis, which sits at the strait’s narrowest point.
Reverse Design and Maritime Meaning:
On the Obverse design of the Silver Drachm, the coin usually features a square filled with a double stellate pattern (two stars or geometric rosettes), sometimes with inscriptions in Greek.
Many historians link this symbol to the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux. These twin figures protected sailors, so their symbol fits a coastal trading city perfectly.
Moreover, the coin includes magistrate names around the design.
These names identify city officials and help date each issue. Because of this, collectors gain both historical and educational value from every piece.
These coins circulated widely in the Adriatic and were accepted across Greek and Roman trade networks. They highlight Dyrrhachium’s role as a hub of commerce and culture.
Dyrrhachium (modern-day Durrës in Albania) was a major Greek colony and later a Roman stronghold, so its coinage reflects both Hellenistic artistry and local identity.
A Collectible with Lasting Value:
Most examples measure about 18 mm and use silver. Today, collectors can find certified specimens graded Fine by NGC. Many of these coins weigh about 3.00 grams (typical drachm standard).
Overall, the Illyria Dyrrhachium Silver Drachm combines history, symbolism, and accessibility. It connects Greek, Illyrian, and Roman worlds in one small artifact.
The coin is a fascinating piece of ancient numismatics. Condition: The Coin is classified as "Fine", which means moderate wear but still identifiable details.
Certification: NGC grading adds credibility and value, especially for ancient coins where authenticity is crucial.
Collectors prize these drachms for their artistry and connection to Illyrian-Greek history. They’re less common than mainstream Greek issues, making them attractive to specialists.
Links to posts on Albania on this Blog:
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the Plague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Other interesting posts on Greek Coinage and Commemorative Coins:
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the Plague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"A very interesting Post. Thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful post 👍"
Thank you so much, Trikha sahab.
Delete