The Circulation of Greek Federal Coinage

Abstract

The aim of this discussion is to examine the coins from a selection of both Classical and Hellenistic Greek federal states in order to identify potential patterns in how the coins were used. This is done through an in-depth analysis of coin hoard data, focusing on hoards which contain the coins from a league alongside coins from poleis within that league, taking into account hoard contents, approximate deposit date, and the hoard findspot. This data is then compared to the data from hoards containing coins from the poleis of a league, regardless of whether the hoards contained coins from the league or not. The study finds that, while each league examined is unique, certain patterns can be identified. The leagues typically mint coins not just to the same standard as their poleis, but in the same denominations, such as the triobols of the Achaean League and her member-poleis. The hoards containing coins issued from a league show a strong preference for regional circulation, which is highlighted when juxtaposed with the hoards containing the civic coinage, which have findspots across the ancient Mediterranean world. This shows that the coins minted by the leagues served a separate and more regional purpose than the coins the poleis were minting.