What's most amazing to me is how deep the striking on the coins is. Normally they look more-or-less etched, but here they appear genuinely 3D, with reliefs sticking out by multiple mm.
The dies for these coins were hand-carved, the greeks in particular are famous for having made very high relief coin art. On many of these bigger coins, the design is as thick as the coin planchet.
I really like that they devote one whole side just to the portrait. And with so much depth and expression. Wouldn't be as practical to carry as more modern coins but definitely seems more special and more aesthetically pleasing.
In ancient times coins were a major form of propaganda for the state. Not only for its own territory and population, but also for other nations, as precious metal coins very often crossed borders. A lot of effort was put on coins looking as best as they could.
i went thru so many revolutions in watching this--from the hyper clarity of the coins (which imbue tonal understanding) & then to the thought that appeared in my head: MONEY!! what we commenly know as 'money' was very important to these people. and then, 'what is money??' i can't even imagine holding one of these in my hand, these are not the somewhat similar yet prefab coins we have today. your presentation reminded me of when they were trouring around the florence glassware museum in 'moonraker!!' :)
6:25 I had to google "Pantikápaion" (modern-day Kertch) and it turns out that it wasn't "a not especially noteworthy city thoughout its history", since it became the capital of the Bosphorus kingdom! Generally, the crimean grain was a matter of life and death for the cities of Greece in antiquity.
I wonder how many of each were minted, and for how long. Were they treated like commemorative, special edition coins, or would people have them in their pockets to buy things every day?
As someone, who has no clue about the world of collecting ancient coins, I'd have a few genuine questions: Why are those beautiful pieces of art even available on the collectors market, instead of being exhibited in a museum? Can literally anyone buy ancient coins or are there certain terms and conditions a buyer has to meet (exept for being filthy rich of course)? Is there some kind of obligation to make the coins accessible to the broader public or at least to the scientific community?
At least in the USA ancient coins aren’t very popular. When I go to a coin show there might be 100 booths for American coins and only 2 or 3 for ancients. Museums have coins but there is just a ton of it out there because so much was minted over the millennia. Empires made their own, provinces made their own, cities made their own, etc. This means that the supply is far greater than the demand (not many collectors).
I was under the impression that the bosporos kingdom coins had the god Pan , not a satyr on the front. The fronts were typically reserved for Gods, not woodland creatures. as is the inscription on the back of the coin, which literally reads PAN.
7:00 Thrace, Panticapaeum Black Sea Region dates back to the prehistoric cave dwelling Vinca Culture. In my opinion most likely many of these coins were imported into the world by one single licensed vendor in Russia Dmitry Marchov?
I bet you my only $4k that this dude if he does a DNA 🧬 test the results will show he has Italian origins 😅 IDK why. But he strikes me as Roman which is a great thing of course.. i myself have Roman blood 😅
It isn't like steel or iron which could be damaged by the oils in our skin as we are so used to hearing in regards to blades. Some coins can be buried in the soil for centuries and be cleaned up pretty nicely. That isn't to say they should be treated carelessly, but holding them, especially fairly inert metals, with washed hands poses virtually no problems.
As long as you have clean hands, you shouldnt worry about it, all ancient coins have been cleaned to some extent. If you see the auction house's catalogue, they have videos of every coin and they hold it without gloves. If they do it, Id dare say its not a problem.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
The facing portrait of Amphipolis is out of this world! Such high relief!
What's most amazing to me is how deep the striking on the coins is. Normally they look more-or-less etched, but here they appear genuinely 3D, with reliefs sticking out by multiple mm.
The dies for these coins were hand-carved, the greeks in particular are famous for having made very high relief coin art.
On many of these bigger coins, the design is as thick as the coin planchet.
I have great respect for the all-in-one-take videos.
Never seen a portrait like that on a coin before. That’s unbelievable craftsmanship.
Those are stunning pieces. What a chance to hold them in person.
Right! My first thought when he picked up the first one was, "He doesn't even have to wear gloves! He gets to actually touch em!"
Excellent collection, thanks sir
2:43 -- "visually striking, so to speak" -- well played
*Rimshot
Although not the first coins by this period the quality was such that these should be considered the world's first mass produced art.
They're gorgeous! You are so lucky to actually get to hold them, they must be so much more impressive in person.
loving the deep dive on these coins
Looks almost Romantic with that expression and the blurred lines. Truly incredible
You have a great delivery, very Rod Serling.
I really like that they devote one whole side just to the portrait. And with so much depth and expression. Wouldn't be as practical to carry as more modern coins but definitely seems more special and more aesthetically pleasing.
In ancient times coins were a major form of propaganda for the state. Not only for its own territory and population, but also for other nations, as precious metal coins very often crossed borders. A lot of effort was put on coins looking as best as they could.
i went thru so many revolutions in watching this--from the hyper clarity of the coins (which imbue tonal understanding) & then to the thought that appeared in my head: MONEY!! what we commenly know as 'money' was very important to these people. and then, 'what is money??' i can't even imagine holding one of these in my hand, these are not the somewhat similar yet prefab coins we have today. your presentation reminded me of when they were trouring around the florence glassware museum in 'moonraker!!' :)
Wow very insightful, awesome video
Incredible, thanks doc!
I would love to see how these were actually produced, from making the die to punching the coin.
First jeweler to make that video is in for quite the surprise, I'd love to see someone make a die then mint a coin with it.
That last one is a great looking coin. Also the huge Decadram is pretty cool. 🔥
That Syracuse coin of Sicily Greek is gorgeous, they all are.
Bring these coins back....!!
The Syracuse decadrachm is such a stunning coin.
Guess you were right on the $4M part. Beautiful coin.
Dr. G! I bet you had thought of bringing relicas with you and doing a switch then making a dash to Heathrow?
6:25 I had to google "Pantikápaion" (modern-day Kertch) and it turns out that it wasn't "a not especially noteworthy city thoughout its history", since it became the capital of the Bosphorus kingdom!
Generally, the crimean grain was a matter of life and death for the cities of Greece in antiquity.
I have the coin with charioteer, does anyone know the value
I wonder how many of each were minted, and for how long. Were they treated like commemorative, special edition coins, or would people have them in their pockets to buy things every day?
Hi Toldinstone, do you use or recommend loupes? If so which do you like , use or would like to buy ? Cheers
Gloves? 😮
As someone, who has no clue about the world of collecting ancient coins, I'd have a few genuine questions: Why are those beautiful pieces of art even available on the collectors market, instead of being exhibited in a museum? Can literally anyone buy ancient coins or are there certain terms and conditions a buyer has to meet (exept for being filthy rich of course)? Is there some kind of obligation to make the coins accessible to the broader public or at least to the scientific community?
At least in the USA ancient coins aren’t very popular. When I go to a coin show there might be 100 booths for American coins and only 2 or 3 for ancients. Museums have coins but there is just a ton of it out there because so much was minted over the millennia. Empires made their own, provinces made their own, cities made their own, etc. This means that the supply is far greater than the demand (not many collectors).
Head canon: you _actually_ stopped by to check in on your donations
I'm going to make my own.
If you do don't neglect to film it. Everyone here will want to see it all the way thru!
Beautiful! I counted only 7 horse front legs on the 3rd coin. Was that normal for the greeks?
Ha! So did I!!!
WOW
Я продаю вы покупаете?
never found one in my change
Amphipolis didnt have any silver mines nearby by any chance?
Holding 6 M dollars in your hands!
I was under the impression that the bosporos kingdom coins had the god Pan , not a satyr on the front. The fronts were typically reserved for Gods, not woodland creatures. as is the inscription on the back of the coin, which literally reads PAN.
7:00 Thrace, Panticapaeum Black Sea Region dates back to the prehistoric cave dwelling Vinca Culture. In my opinion most likely many of these coins were imported into the world by one single licensed vendor in Russia Dmitry Marchov?
In Athena ancient city was Zeus venerated! Thracian probably you have Thracian coin
Actually reminds me of Scythian Jewelery
Scythian art does have certain influence on the eastern part of the greek world, on modern-day turkey.
I think it's funny how the Victorians felt the need to hide lots of satyr art because it was so "amorous".
So, why is he touching these 2,000 year + old coins with his bare hands?
no gloves :L
I just wanna say thanks for not making every video 2 hours. I do like your podcasts and I like long videos but too many long videos these days
I bet you my only $4k that this dude if he does a DNA 🧬 test the results will show he has Italian origins 😅 IDK why. But he strikes me as Roman which is a great thing of course.. i myself have Roman blood 😅
Spare some change? ;)
by 'sater' do you mean satyr? Bizarre pronunciation...
Shouldn’t you be wearing gloves brother?
It isn't like steel or iron which could be damaged by the oils in our skin as we are so used to hearing in regards to blades. Some coins can be buried in the soil for centuries and be cleaned up pretty nicely. That isn't to say they should be treated carelessly, but holding them, especially fairly inert metals, with washed hands poses virtually no problems.
I'm sure the owners would have insisted if he needed to...
As long as you have clean hands, you shouldnt worry about it, all ancient coins have been cleaned to some extent.
If you see the auction house's catalogue, they have videos of every coin and they hold it without gloves. If they do it, Id dare say its not a problem.
@@ClassicalNumismatics Ha small world, love your channel brother
no