What is a stater, and where was it primarily used?

The stater was an ancient coin that was used in various regions of Greece. The term is also applied to similar coins minted elsewhere in ancient Europe that imitated Greek staters.

What is the literal meaning of the word 'stater'?

The word 'stater' originates from the Ancient Greek word 'statēr', which literally means 'weight'. This reflects its function as a standardized unit of value and measure.

When did the stater, as a Greek silver currency, begin to circulate?

The stater, initially in the form of ingots and later as coins, began circulating as a Greek silver currency from the 8th century BC and continued until AD 50.

What is recognized as the earliest known stamped stater, and where is it from?

The earliest known stamped stater, which bears the mark of some authority in the form of a picture or words, is an electrum turtle coin. This coin was struck at Aegina and dates to approximately 650 BC.

Where can the earliest known stamped stater be viewed today?

The earliest known stamped stater, an electrum turtle coin from Aegina dating to around 650 BC, is currently on display at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.

According to Robin Lane Fox, what ancient currency likely influenced the Euboean stater's weight?

According to Robin Lane Fox, the Euboean stater, weighing 16.8 grams, likely borrowed its weight unit from the Phoenician shekel. The Phoenician shekel had a similar weight of about 7.0 grams and was also equivalent to one-fiftieth of a mina.

What was the weight and composition of the silver stater minted at Corinth?

The silver stater minted at Corinth weighed approximately 8.6 grams. It was typically divided into three silver drachmae, each weighing about 2.9 grams.

How did the Corinthian stater relate to the Athenian silver didrachm?

The Corinthian silver stater, weighing 8.6 grams, was often linked to the Athenian silver didrachm, which also weighed 8.6 grams. A didrachm, as the name suggests, was equivalent to two drachmae.

What was the approximate weight of an Athenian silver tetradrachm?

An Athenian silver tetradrachm, which consisted of four drachmae, weighed approximately 17.2 grams. This is double the weight of the Athenian didrachm.

Besides Corinth, name several other Greek city-states that minted staters.

Staters were minted in numerous Greek city-states, including Aegina, Aspendos, Delphi, Knossos, Kydonia, many city-states in Ionia, Lampsacus, Megalopolis, Metapontium, Olympia, Phaistos, Poseidonia, Syracuse, Taras, Thasos, and Thebes, among others.

What was the nature and typical value of a 'gold stater' in ancient Greece?

A 'gold stater' existed but was not minted everywhere; it primarily served as an accounting unit. Its value typically ranged from 20 to 28 drachmae, varying by location and time period. The Athenian unit, for instance, was valued at 20 drachmae.

What was the approximate weight of a gold stater, and what was the general gold-to-silver parity?

A gold stater generally weighed around 8.5 grams, roughly twice the weight of a silver drachma. The established parity between gold and silver, though subject to some variance, was approximately 1:10.

Which region is most associated with the origin of gold stater coinage?

The use of gold staters in coinage appears to be predominantly of Macedonian origin. The best-known types of Greek gold staters include the 28-drachma 'kyzikenoi' from Cyzicus.

How did the concept of the stater spread to Western and Central Europe?

Celtic tribes adopted the concept of the stater after encountering it while serving as mercenaries in northern Greece. They subsequently brought this concept to Western and Central Europe.

What inspired the gold staters minted by Gallic chiefs?

Gold staters minted in Gaul by Gallic chiefs were modeled after the 'philippeioi' coins of Philip II of Macedonia. These coins were likely acquired by Gallic mercenaries serving in the armies of Philip II, Alexander the Great, or their successors.

What was the significance of the Gallo-Belgic series of staters?

The Gallo-Belgic series of staters were imported into Britain on a large scale and significantly influenced the range of staters subsequently produced within Britain.

What was the typical weight range for British Gold staters?

British Gold staters generally weighed between 4.5 and 6.5 grams.

In which modern-day countries were Celtic staters also minted?

Celtic staters were also minted in areas that are now part of the Czech Republic and Poland.

How did Alexander the Great's conquests influence the adoption of staters in Asia?

Alexander the Great's conquests helped to extend Greek culture eastward, which led to the adoption of staters in various parts of Asia. Gold staters from the region of Gandhara, dating to the time of Kanishka, have been found.

What significant archaeological discovery related to a stater was made in Slovenia in 2018?

In 2018, archaeologists in Podzemelj, Slovenia, discovered fifteen graves at the Pezdirčeva Njiva site. Within one of these graves, a bronze belt was found containing a gold coin.

Describe the gold coin found in Slovenia in 2018.

The gold coin found in Slovenia in 2018 was a Celtic imitation of the Alexander the Great stater. It depicted Nike and Athena and dates back to the first half of the 3rd century BC.

What are Koson staters, and who minted them?

Koson staters were gold coins minted in the 1st century BC by the Dacians. They are the only known gold coins issued by this people and feature the Greek inscription 'KOΣΩN' along with Roman-inspired iconography.

What does the presence of Roman-inspired iconography on Koson staters suggest?

The Roman-inspired iconography on Koson staters suggests significant cultural and political interactions between the Dacians and the Roman world during the 1st century BC.

Describe the imagery on the early Archaic silver stater from Corinth shown in the gallery.

The early Archaic silver stater from Corinth, dating from 555-515 BC, features Pegasus flying to the left on its obverse, with a 'koppa' symbol below. The reverse shows a quadripartite incuse pattern.

What are the depictions on the silver stater from Delphi shown in the gallery?

The silver stater from Delphi, minted between 338/336 and 334/333 BC, shows the head of Demeter wearing a grain-ear wreath and veil on its obverse. The reverse depicts Apollo seated on an omphalos, with a tripod to the left and the inscription 'AMΦΙΚΤΙΟΝΩN' around it.

What is depicted on the gold stater of Alexander the Great shown in the gallery?

The gold stater of Alexander the Great, possibly minted in Abydos around 328-323 BC, features Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet on its obverse. The reverse shows Nike holding a stylis and a wreath.

What does the 'Qoppa' symbol on the Corinthian stater represent?

The 'Qoppa' symbol (Ϙ) found on some Corinthian staters, such as the one depicted in the gallery, symbolized the archaic spelling of the city's name, 'K Corinthos'.

Describe the stater struck in Velia between 334-300 BC.

The stater struck in Velia between 334-300 BC features Athena wearing a Phrygian helmet decorated with a Centaur on its obverse. The reverse depicts a lion devouring its prey.

What is shown on the silver stater of Mithrapata of Lycia?

The silver stater of Mithrapata of Lycia, dating from approximately 390-370 BC, displays specific imagery related to Lycian rulers or mythology, though the exact details are not provided in the caption.

What are the characteristics of the gold stater of the Corieltauvi tribe?

The gold stater of the Corieltauvi, minted between 50-20 BC, is an example of Celtic coinage from Britain. Its specific imagery is not detailed in the caption but represents the artistic style of the tribe.

What imagery is present on the obverse and reverse of the Channel Islands Armorican Billon Silver Stater?

The Channel Islands Armorican Billon Silver Stater, dating to about 75 BC, shows a head on its obverse. The reverse depicts a stylized horse moving to the right, with a comet positioned below it.

What is the significance of the Lydian electrum coin mentioned in the gallery?

The Lydian electrum coin shown in the gallery is notable for being denominated as one-third of a stater and dates back to the early 6th century BC. It represents an early form of coinage from Lydia.

What is the definition of a stater in the context of ancient coinage?

A stater was a unit of currency used in ancient Greece and other parts of ancient Europe, often made of silver or gold. Its name derives from the Greek word for 'weight', indicating its role as a standardized measure of value.

What historical period does the circulation of the stater coin span?

The stater coin circulated over a long period, beginning in the 8th century BC and continuing until approximately AD 50, covering significant eras of ancient history.

What material was the earliest known stamped stater made from?

The earliest known stamped stater was made from electrum, which is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver.

What was the approximate weight of a Phoenician shekel?

A Phoenician shekel weighed approximately 7.0 grams. It was also significant as being one-fiftieth of a mina.

How many drachmae were typically in a Corinthian silver stater?

A Corinthian silver stater, weighing about 8.6 grams, was typically divided into three silver drachmae, with each drachma weighing around 2.9 grams.

Which specific gold staters from Cyzicus are mentioned?

The text mentions the 'kyzikenoi' from Cyzicus as notable types of Greek gold staters. These were valued at 28 drachmae.

What were the 'philippeioi' mentioned in relation to Celtic staters?

The 'philippeioi' were coins associated with Philip II of Macedonia. Celtic tribes in Gaul modeled their gold staters after these coins, likely after serving as mercenaries in Macedonian armies.

What is the approximate weight range for British Gold staters?

British Gold staters typically weighed between 4.5 and 6.5 grams.

What is the significance of the Koson staters being the only known gold coins issued by the Dacians?

The fact that Koson staters are the only known gold coins issued by the Dacians highlights their unique economic and political status during the 1st century BC, and their engagement with the wider Mediterranean world through coinage.

What does the gallery image of a Lydian electrum coin represent?

The gallery image shows an early 6th-century BC Lydian electrum coin that is specifically denominated as one-third of a stater, illustrating early forms of fractional currency.

What does the term ' quadripartite incuse' refer to on the reverse of the Corinthian stater?

The term 'quadripartite incuse' on the reverse of the Corinthian stater means that the die used to strike the coin left an impression indented into the metal, divided into four sections. This was a common feature on early Greek coins.

What does the 'omphalos' represent in the context of the Delphi stater?

The 'omphalos' depicted on the Delphi stater is a sacred stone at Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center or navel of the world. Its presence on the coin signifies the importance of Delphi.

What does the inscription 'KOΣΩN' on the Dacian Koson staters signify?

The Greek inscription 'KOΣΩN' on the Dacian Koson staters likely refers to the name of the ruler or the issuing authority, indicating a connection to Greek language and culture despite being minted by the Dacians.

What is the approximate weight of the gold 20-stater coin of Eucratides I?

The gold 20-stater coin of the Greco-Bactrian king Eucratides I weighs 169.2 grams, which is equivalent to 5.44 troy ounces. This coin is noted as the largest gold coin ever minted in Antiquity.

What is the diameter of the gold 20-stater coin of Eucratides I?

The gold 20-stater coin of Eucratides I has a diameter of 58 millimeters, or 2.3 inches. This substantial size contributes to its status as the largest gold coin from antiquity.

What does the term 'billon alloy' refer to in the context of the Celtic stater from Armorica?

Billon alloy is a metal mixture primarily composed of silver and copper, where silver is the lesser component. The Celtic stater from Armorica being made of billon indicates it was a debased silver coin.

What is the historical significance of the stater coin's widespread use across different cultures?

The stater's use by various ancient Greek city-states, as well as its adoption and imitation by Celtic tribes, Macedonians, Dacians, and others in Europe and Asia, demonstrates its importance as a standardized medium of exchange and reflects the extensive trade and cultural interactions of the ancient world.

Stater Wiki: The Stater: Unearthing Ancient Currency

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What is a Stater?

Definition and Origin

The stater was an ancient coin used across various regions of Greece and beyond. Its name derives from the Ancient Greek word statēr (στᾰτήρ), meaning "weight."^[1] Initially circulated as ingots, the stater evolved into stamped coins, marking a significant step in the development of standardized currency. These coins were fundamental to commerce from approximately the 8th century BC to AD 50.^[3]

The Concept of Weight

As the name suggests, the stater was initially based on a specific weight standard. This ensured a degree of uniformity and trust in transactions before standardized coinage became widespread. The concept was later adopted and adapted by various cultures, demonstrating its foundational importance in ancient economic systems.

Widespread Use

While originating in Greece, the stater's influence extended far beyond its homeland. Celtic tribes, among others, adopted and minted their own versions, often inspired by Greek designs. This widespread adoption underscores the stater's role as a precursor to modern monetary systems and a key element in the history of coinage.

Historical Trajectory

Early Circulation

The stater's journey began around the 8th century BC, initially as standardized weights or ingots. The earliest known stamped stater, an electrum turtle coin from Aegina, dates to approximately 650 BC.^[2]^[3] This innovation marked a transition from mere weights to recognizable currency, bearing the authority's mark.

Influences and Adaptations

The Euboean stater, weighing around 16.8 grams, is thought to have borrowed its weight standard from the Phoenician shekel. This cross-cultural exchange highlights the interconnectedness of ancient economies. The Corinthian stater, weighing 8.6 grams, was often equated with the Athenian silver didrachm, further illustrating the establishment of common weight standards.^[6]

Royal and Regional Minting

By the Hellenistic period, staters were minted by various rulers and city-states. Notable examples include the gold 20-stater coin of Greco-Bactrian king Eucratides I (c. 160 BC), one of the largest gold coins ever minted in antiquity, weighing 169.2 grams.^[4] The Dacians also issued gold Koson staters in the 1st century BC, featuring Roman-inspired iconography.

Varieties and Materials

Silver Staters

Silver staters were the most common form of this currency. Numerous Greek city-states, including Aegina, Corinth, Delphi, and Syracuse, minted silver staters. These coins often featured distinct imagery representing their patron deities, mythical figures, or local symbols, serving not only as currency but also as markers of civic identity.

Gold Staters

Gold staters were less common and often served as higher-value accounting units or were minted by rulers for significant distributions. Macedonian rulers, such as Philip II and Alexander the Great, issued prominent gold staters. These were highly prized and widely imitated, influencing coinage across vast territories.

Electrum and Billon

Early staters, particularly from regions like Lydia, were made of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Later, particularly among Celtic tribes, staters were also minted using billon, an alloy of base metals with a small amount of silver, indicating variations in value and regional metallurgy.

Weight Standards

Greek Standards

Greek silver staters typically adhered to specific weight standards. For instance:

The Euboean stater weighed approximately 16.8 grams.
The Corinthian stater weighed around 8.6 grams, often equivalent to three Attic drachmae.
The Athenian didrachm (two drachmae) also weighed approximately 8.6 grams.
The Athenian tetradrachm (four drachmae) weighed about 17.2 grams.

These weights facilitated trade and economic stability within and between city-states.^[5]^[6]

Celtic and Other Standards

When Celtic tribes adopted the stater concept, they often produced coins with different weight standards. British gold staters, for example, generally weighed between 4.5 and 6.5 grams.^[10] The large gold 20-stater of Eucratides I weighed 169.2 grams, showcasing the vast range in denomination and weight.

Gold-to-Silver Ratio

The relative value of gold to silver was a crucial factor in ancient economies. While varying over time and place, a common parity was established around 1:10 (one unit of gold equivalent to ten units of silver). This ratio influenced the perceived value and minting practices of both gold and silver staters.

Geographical Reach

Ancient Greece

Staters were a cornerstone of currency in numerous Greek city-states. Prominent minting centers included:

Aegina
Aspendos
Corinth
Delphi
Knossos
Metapontium
Syracuse
Thebes

And many others across mainland Greece, Sicily, and Asia Minor.^[5]

Celtic Europe

Celtic tribes encountered Greek coinage, particularly Macedonian staters like the philippeioi, often through mercenary service. They subsequently minted their own gold staters, adapting designs and weight standards. These coins circulated widely in Gaul, Britain, and parts of Central Europe, including regions that are now the Czech Republic and Poland.^[7]^[11]

Eastern Influence

The eastward expansion of Greek culture, notably through the conquests of Alexander the Great and his successors, led to the adoption of stater coinage in regions like Gandhara. Gold staters from the time of rulers such as Kanishka are found in these areas, reflecting the enduring influence of Hellenistic numismatic traditions.

Beyond Greek Lands

Celtic Imitations

The adoption of the stater by Celtic tribes represents a significant cultural diffusion. These imitations often featured stylized representations of horses, human heads, and abstract symbols, diverging from the classical Greek iconography but maintaining the stater's function as a high-value coin.

British Coinage

Gallo-Belgic stater series were imported into Britain, influencing the development of indigenous coinage. These coins, often made of gold or billon, played a crucial role in the Iron Age economy of Britain before the Roman conquest.^[8]^[9]

Dacian and Roman Interaction

The Dacians, a people of ancient Eastern Europe, minted gold Koson staters in the 1st century BC. These coins are notable for imitating Roman denarii and bearing the Greek inscription "Koson," illustrating the complex political and cultural interactions between Dacian rulers and the expanding Roman Republic.^[13]

Visual Compendium

Greek City-State Staters

Illustrative examples of Greek staters include:

Corinthian Stater (c. 555–515 BC): Features Pegasus on the obverse and a quadripartite incuse square on the reverse.
Delphi Stater (c. 338/6–334/3 BC): Depicts the head of Demeter on the obverse and Apollo seated on an omphalos on the reverse.
Lydian Electrum Coin (Early 6th Century BC): A denomination of 1/3 stater, showcasing early coinage from the region.
Velia Stater (334–300 BC): Shows Athena wearing a Phrygian helmet on the obverse and a lion devouring prey on the reverse.
Lycia Stater (c. 390–370 BC): Minted under Mithrapata, featuring distinct Lycian iconography.

Hellenistic and Regional Rulers

Staters minted by prominent rulers and regions:

Alexander the Great Stater (c. 328–323 BC): Often features Athena on the obverse and Nike on the reverse.
Eucratides I Gold 20-Stater (c. 160 BC): The largest known gold coin from antiquity, depicting the king and his horse.
Dacian Koson Stater: Imitates Roman denarii, bearing Greek legend "Koson" and Roman-inspired imagery.

Celtic and Armorican Coinage

Examples of non-Greek adaptations:

Celtic Billon Stater (Armorica): Features stylized heads and horses, reflecting local artistic traditions.
Corieltauvi Gold Stater (c. 50–20 BC): An example of Iron Age British coinage influenced by continental designs.
Channel Islands Armorican Billon Silver Stater (c. 75 BC): Displays a profile head on the obverse and a stylized horse on the reverse.

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References

Coin images

Ancient coinage of Aegina. snible.org. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Stater Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not financial or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional numismatic consultation, historical research, or expert appraisal. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries regarding ancient artifacts, their valuation, or historical context.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Stater: Unearthing Ancient Currency

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Stater? ℹ️

💰 Definition and Origin

⚖️ The Concept of Weight

🌍 Widespread Use

Historical Trajectory 📜

⏳ Early Circulation

🔗 Influences and Adaptations

👑 Royal and Regional Minting

Varieties and Materials 💎

⚪ Silver Staters

🌟 Gold Staters

🟠 Electrum and Billon

Weight Standards ⚖️

🇬🇷 Greek Standards

⚔️ Celtic and Other Standards

⚖️ Gold-to-Silver Ratio

Geographical Reach 🗺️

🏛️ Ancient Greece

🛡️ Celtic Europe

🌏 Eastern Influence

Beyond Greek Lands 🌐

🐎 Celtic Imitations

🇬🇧 British Coinage

⚔️ Dacian and Roman Interaction

Visual Compendium 🖼️

🏛️ Greek City-State Staters

👑 Hellenistic and Regional Rulers

⚔️ Celtic and Armorican Coinage

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Stater?

Definition and Origin

The Concept of Weight

Widespread Use

Historical Trajectory

Early Circulation

Influences and Adaptations

Royal and Regional Minting

Varieties and Materials

Silver Staters

Gold Staters

Electrum and Billon

Weight Standards

Greek Standards

Celtic and Other Standards

Gold-to-Silver Ratio

Geographical Reach

Ancient Greece

Celtic Europe

Eastern Influence

Beyond Greek Lands

Celtic Imitations

British Coinage

Dacian and Roman Interaction

Visual Compendium

Greek City-State Staters

Hellenistic and Regional Rulers

Celtic and Armorican Coinage

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice