Affordable Ancients: Greek Bronzes

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Ancient coin collecting is often seen as intimidating, defined by complex history, unfamiliar terminology, and seemingly prohibitive costs. In our Affordable Ancients series, Tyler Rossi of Shanna Schmidt Numismatics Inc. dispells these myths, proving that collecting authentic ancient coins can be both approachable and affordable. Each installment will provide practical insights, historical context, and expert guidance to help collectors confidently navigate the ancient-coin market.

The first installment of Affordable Ancients highlights an interesting and often overlooked segment of the ancient Greek numismatic world: bronze coins from the Iberian Peninsula. Unlike the more glamorous mainland Greek silver coins or stunning Roman sesterces, many collectors mentally discount these smaller, crude bronzes. Since this region was densely populated and generated significant wealth through trade with the Carthaginians and Romans, it fostered a thriving local economy in which small-denomination bronzes served a vital purpose.

Why These Bronzes Deserve Attention

First, it’s worth clarifying that Greek bronze coins from Hispania are relatively scarce in the ancient numismatic market. Unlike contemporary indigenous Iberian silver coins or later Roman denarii, Iberian bronzes don’t appear regularly in U.S. auctions or in dealer inventories. However, they are readily available from European sources and won’t cost a proverbial arm and leg. From the Celtic city of Castulo to the lost settlement of Uirouia, you can find a wide range of types and designs at reasonable prices.

Phoenician Symbols in Iberian Bronze

Let’s start with the city of Asido. According to leading numismatist Leandre Villaronga (1919-2015), these coins were most likely struck in Medina Sidonia (modern-day Cadiz). They are particularly important due to their Libyan-Phoenician legends. The example shown below displays a caduceus (a winged staff) followed by the legend “SDNBL,” which translates to “citizens of” or “from the city of,” beneath a chunky yet graceful dolphin swimming to the right.

Unlike most caducei, this example is probably not associated with Hermes. Instead, due to Phoenician cultural influence, this control mark references the Phoenician goddess of fertility and the moon. According to Mark A. Christian’s 2013 article “Phoenician Maritime Religion: Sailors, Goddess Worship, and the Grotta Regina,” Tanit is often associated with the caduceus and dolphin. Sea-faring Phoenician traders were known to have “personalized” their ships with caducei designs.

Moving northeast, we reach Castulo (modern-day Linares), and the capital of the Oretani tribe. The coins struck here, unsurprisingly, display the famed Spanish bull, as southern Spain is known for bull rearing and fighting. Perhaps more intriguing is the highly stylized male head on the obverse, which could have inspired Picasso. Struck during the 200-year Roman conquest of Iberia, this coin tells an interesting story: the marriage of Oretanian Princess Himilce to Hannibal. Shortly thereafter, his brother, Hasdrubal, led 40,000 men in crushing a Roman army. However, Castulo dramatically betrayed the Carthaginians by siding with Scipio Africanus, turning the region into Roman territory.

Roman Designs, Local Copies

This next example stands apart as a possible imitation of a Roman Republican denarius struck by L. Lucretius Trio. Struck in 74 B.C., the original design features a laureate head of Neptune facing right with a trident over the shoulder, and a winged infant Genius riding a dolphin to the right. This bronze type shows the same obverse with a different legend: “IIII VIR TER” instead of just IIIII. The reverse is similar but lacks the winged infant Genius.

This imitation may be due to a lack of genuine Roman coinage in the provinces, which necessitated semi-official local imitations for small transactions, similar to British Condor tokens. Alternatively, Roman prototypes provided inspiration and lent local legitimacy. However, since Southern Iberia was firmly under Roman control, the first explanation seems more likely.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, space prevents sharing all the fascinating bronzes in this category. But collectors will be thrilled to learn that most mid-grade examples can be bought for $100 to $300! For those focused on condition, a budget of $500 to $1,500 covers everything except the finest examples. Barring vicious bidding wars, collectors willing to spend $1,500 to $2,500 should be able to acquire any example they wish. In fact, entering the world of ancient coins doesn’t require an overwhelming budget or advanced expertise, just trusted guidance and a careful approach.

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