Interactive Ancient History

A set of 6 replica coins made from coins in the collection of the British Museum. These coin sare all double sided as were the originals and can be handled just like any coin.

See below for all the coins in this set:

The Decadrachm of Syracruse 400BC -a city state in Sicily under Greek domination is often described as the finest example of medallic art and the most beautiful coin of all times. It was issued only in small quantities to celebrate the total defeat of the Athenian army. These coins bear the image of Arethusa or Persophone with dolphins on the front and a 4 horse chariot, "Nike" goddess of victory above and captured booty of spears and shields on the reverse.

Tetradrachma of Gela, Sicily 470BC - bears the forepart of the river god, Gelas the bull with the bearded human face on the obverse and a two horse chariot with Nike overhead on the reverse.

Tetradrachma of Naxos, Sicily 735BC - bears the bearded head of Dionysus (Bacchus) god of wine and revelry and on the reverse Silenius, always intoxicated demi god attendant of Bacchus.

Tetradrachma of Rhegium, Italy 435-425BC - bears the lion head on the face and locastus, founder of the city on the reverse.

Tetradrachma of Alexander the Great - probably the most recognised of all the ancient Greeks was Alexander the Great 356-323BC who established himself as the ruler of an empire including Greece, Persia, Syria, Egypt, Babylonia and even part of India. As he advanced in his conquests, he used the output of gold and silver mines under his control and also melted down coins of the captured area to issue a series of staters and tetradrachma of uniform design. These coins bore the head of Hercules covered with a lions skin on the obverse side and a seated Zeus of other design on the reverse. The coin in this set bears the horse head and palm of Carthage.

Tetradrachma of Athens - the most widely circulated coins of the Greek city states came from Athens, which according to legend was named for Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Coins of other areas that came to Athens were melted down and restruck as tetradrachma piecs bearing the image of Athena on one side and the owl of wisdomand an olive branch on the other side.

From the time of Caesar Augustus 27BC - 14AD. These tokens were used to enter a sporting arena such as a gladiatorial fight. (replica). 15mm diameter metal cast.

$5.95ea plus P&H REPLICA QUOTE GGT1

See our range of coins from Ancient Rome on our Roman page.

There are many references to the shekel and its components throughout ancient literature, particularly the Bible. There is seen the bekah (half shekel), pim (third shekel), rebah (quarter shekel), gerah (twentieth shekel) and the talent, however none of these in early time actually refers to actual coinage but rather to weights of particular precious metals.

Precious metals in early times were important components within a trading system, specifically as a form of barter. Many other items also fit into the barter category, ox, sheep, cows or in fact anything of value that was of surplus value to one person but of benefit to another. The talent itself was connected with an ox. The word we use today as "pecuniary" comes from the Latin pecus meaning cattle.

When in Babylon a shekel = 180 grains of Barley = one sixtieth of a mina or manah = one sixtieth of a talent.

As trade then increased as cities and civilisations grew a barter system was inconsistent and a more precise system was needed as a means of exchange, hence the use of precious metals. They would need to be weighed and and then agreed upon in order to have a fair and consistent form of exchange. But....how does one guarantee that the piece of precious metal you receive is consistent with that exchanged elsewhere? Official marks were imprinted on them to establish their accepted authenticity and so the stage was set for the first coins...

It is usually accepted that the first coins were produced by the Lydians around the 7th century BC made of electrum an alloy of silver and gold. They were stamped with the head of a lion.

Symbols such as an ox, turtle shell, olive sprig or cluster of grapes were early symbols used, and later images of gods and goddesses and eventually images of the rulers.

We have a range of replica coins from various civilisations. These make great educational aids both for the individual and the classroom. Our range is growing as we access new product ranges.

A set of 7 replica coins from the Bible -  these are made from originals in the British Museum Collections. They are made from a lead alloy to duplicate the approximate weight and feel of the originals, and are silver or copper plated and aged. These coins are designed to be handled making them a wonderful educational resource.

Set of Seven Coins -

$39.95AUD plus P&H REPLICAS QUOTE COB1

Tribute Penny 14-37AD. This coin called "penny' in the 1611 KJV of the Bible, should be called a "Tribute Denarius". In Ancient times, while the Roman legions occupied Britain, the denarius was the standard coin. Tiberius was the Roman Emperor who ruled during Jesus' lifetime.
See Mark 12: 14-16. "....give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and ....."

Widow's Mite - Capanius 6-9 AD. The smallest of Greek bronze coins. The word "mite" was used in the Bible and was obviously referred to as the smallest coin known and used by the Jews. See Luke 21:1 "...the poor widow..." This is one of at least two "mites" used in Judea.

Lepton - Pontius Pilate 26-36AD. Pontius Pilate, known to all Christians for his delivery of Jesus to the crucifixion, was governor of Judea. He came from the household of Tiberius and was probably a freedman. The coin shows a sipulum (ladle) said to be a sacred vessel presented to the temple by Tiberius. The obverse has three ears of grain bound together. The legend reads, "Money of Julia Caesar" (wife of Tiberius). Reference to the controversial governor is seen in John 18:28-19:42.

Herod the Great - 37-4BC. When Antipater, procurator of Judea, was killed, he was succeeded by his second son known as Herod the Great. Herod leaned toward Greek culture and was a man of violent jealousies and passions. It was during his reign that Jesus was born. Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to save the life of Jesus for Herod the Great had ordered the death of all male children up to two years of age. The Lepton shows a Macedonian helmet on the obverse. A tripod used on the reverse to demonstrate Herod's pagan spirit was possibly copied from Greek coins. The bronze coin was made from melted down implements owing to the scarcity of other metals. Matthew 2:16-18.

Herod Antipas - 4BC-40AD. This ruler known as the tetrarch, was the son of Herod the Great, and his original heir. He married for a second time, Herodias, whi had been the wife of his brother. He built Tiberius in honour of his patron , the notorious Emperor Tiberius, where he issued his coins. This coin has a palm branch, the title "Herod Tetrarch" and a border of dots on the obverse. The reverse has a wreath with "Tiberius" in Greek, in the centre. As a result of his relations with Herodias, he put John the Baptist to death. Matt 6:14-27.

Shekel of Tyre - 1BC - 1AD. The thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas by the Phaarisees for betraying Jesus are thought to be this four drachma from the Phoenician city of Tyre. The shekel, acceptable as temple dues, was referred to as "tyrian money". The obverse shows a laureated head of Melkarth, a Phoenician god in the form of the Greek god Herakles. An eagle stands on a ships prow with palm branch in the background on the reverse, the legend reads: "tyre sacred and inviolable sanctuary." The club is the symbol of Melkarth.

Stater of Antioch - 27BC-14AD. This may also be the type of silver coin given to Judas for the betrayal of Jesus. On the obverse is a portrayal of emperor Augustus. The reverse depicts a female figure representing the Tyche of Antioch with the river Orontes at her feet. 

A set of 7 replica coins from the Bible -  these are made from originals in the British Museum Collections. They are made from a lead alloy to duplicate the approximate weight and feel of the originals, and are silver or copper plated and aged. These coins are designed to be handled making them a wonderful educational resource.

Set of Seven Coins -

$39.95AUD plus P&H REPLICAS QUOTE COB2

Shekel 66-70AD - Authorities believe that these thick shekels were struck during the First Revolt of the Jews, 66-70AD, and were issued in each of the five years during this period, dated from year one to five. The coin shows the golden cup, a chalice from the vessels of the Temple, which held the manna. On the reverse is a branch of three pomegranates in transition from flower to fruit, considered to be the most famous of ancient Judean coin symbols. The inscription reads "Jerusalem Kedosha" Jerusalem the Holy.

Shekel Bar Kochba 133AD - From the second Jewish Revolt - the obverse show the Ark of the Covenant and two scrolls of the Law.

Judea Capta Vespasian 70AD - Struck in Palestine by the Romans reminding the Jews of their defeat in the First Revolt. The reverse shows a date palm (symbol of Judea) with the Emperor on the left and a weeping Jewess seated with head bowed on the right.

Half Shekel 66-70AD -

Quarter Shekel 132-135AD

Denarius 132-135AD - coins of the second Jewish Revolt were struck over Roman Denarii and Drachmas of Antioch. They generally had Biblical symbols such as musical instruments, palm branches and grapes.

Dilepton Simon Nasi 66-70AD -

Coins of the Bible Set Three:
Gold Daric  - from Persia - circulating in Judea after the return from captivity
Half Shekel - Temple Tax
Lepton of Pontius Pilate - Pilate
Widow's Mite - Mark 12:41-44
Tribute Penny - "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's"
Shekel - Payment to Judas

A set of six coins in presentation packs - each of the three presentation packs open to a full colour display and description of each coin. A truly spectacular item. All coins are full size replicas of the originals, double sided.

$29.95AUD plus P&H Quote COB3

High Grade Widow's Mite - in Olivewood Presentation Box

$49.95AUD plus P&H - Limited numbers available - Quote GWMHG1

Framed Mid Grade Widow's Mite

$34.95AUD plus P&H - Limited numbers available - Quote GWMMG1

Low grade Widows Mite - in presentation sleeve.

$9.95AUD plus P&H - one left - Quote GWMLG1 - actual coin indicated by arrow.

All Genuine coins supplied by a registered dealer in antiquities in the Old City of Jerusalem.

You walk into the shop, you hand over a few dollars, the shopkeeper gives you the products and off you go..........
a simple transaction, but where did it all start? What are the origins of the money that rattles around in our pockets and purses?
Click here for a word document and here for a pdf. add text, images, video, widgets, etc...