Syracuse began producing bronze hemidrachms in the 4th century BC as the city-state moved toward broader use of bronze coinage in daily commerce. The introduction of these smaller denominations was driven in part by economic conditions and the growing demand for low-value currency suitable for routine market transactions. Now, Sicily Syracuse AE Hemidrachm bronze coins are available online at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This Sicily Syracuse AE Hemidrachm Coin has an ancient patina that transitions from dark brown to green throughout the field, with small russet accents across its satin-like fields. The reverse includes deep tones with a subdued, matte luster. The 4/5 designations for strike and surface indicate coins with above-average quality, given the age of the coin.
The obverse of the Syracuse AE Hemidrachm Bronze Coin displays a right-facing portrait of Zeus. On the reverse, an eagle is shown in flight above a lightning bolt. Bronze hemidrachms from 4th-century Syracuse often included more streamlined artwork than the earlier silver issues, reflecting the practical limitations of working with bronze in both casting and striking processes.
Bronze hemidrachms circulated primarily within Syracuse and its immediate territory, serving local market needs rather than international trade. Unlike silver coins that traveled widely, bronze currency typically functioned as fiduciary money with limited acceptance beyond the issuing city’s jurisdiction. These coins facilitated small purchases—food, basic goods, and services—making them essential to urban economic life. Their circulation remained geographically restricted, as bronze’s lower intrinsic value meant merchants and travelers preferred silver for longer-distance transactions, keeping bronze hemidrachms within their local economic sphere.
JM Bullion customer service can help you buy ancient coins at 800-276-6508. Our team is also available online through our web chat and email address.
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Syracuse began producing bronze hemidrachms in the 4th century BC as the city-state moved toward broader use of bronze coinage in daily commerce. The introduction of these smaller denominations was driven in part by economic conditions and the growing demand for low-value currency suitable for routine market transactions. Now, Sicily Syracuse AE Hemidrachm bronze coins are available online at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This Sicily Syracuse AE Hemidrachm Coin has an ancient patina that transitions from dark brown to green throughout the field, with small russet accents across its satin-like fields. The reverse includes deep tones with a subdued, matte luster. The 4/5 designations for strike and surface indicate coins with above-average quality, given the age of the coin.
The obverse of the Syracuse AE Hemidrachm Bronze Coin displays a right-facing portrait of Zeus. On the reverse, an eagle is shown in flight above a lightning bolt. Bronze hemidrachms from 4th-century Syracuse often included more streamlined artwork than the earlier silver issues, reflecting the practical limitations of working with bronze in both casting and striking processes.
Bronze hemidrachms circulated primarily within Syracuse and its immediate territory, serving local market needs rather than international trade. Unlike silver coins that traveled widely, bronze currency typically functioned as fiduciary money with limited acceptance beyond the issuing city’s jurisdiction. These coins facilitated small purchases—food, basic goods, and services—making them essential to urban economic life. Their circulation remained geographically restricted, as bronze’s lower intrinsic value meant merchants and travelers preferred silver for longer-distance transactions, keeping bronze hemidrachms within their local economic sphere.
JM Bullion customer service can help you buy ancient coins at 800-276-6508. Our team is also available online through our web chat and email address.