NumisVault

The coinage of Boeotia is vast and varied, being produced at 14 different city-state mints and an unknown federal mint. The coinage is distinct in character and is one of the largest consistent series of designs for all of Greek coinage.

The region lies in Central Greece, directly north of Attica, and contains a large series of fertile valleys, with good arable soil. For most of its history, Boeotia was a largely self-sustaining economy, not partaking in large-scale seafaring, colonization, or the creation of international commercial routes. For this reason, the region began producing coinage considerably later than two of its close neighbors: Aegina and Athens. The various denominations of Aegina were sufficient in Boeotia during early trade, with the region developing its first series only for the purpose of internal transactions.

Series I, Archaic Period, ~ 525-480 BC.

The first series of coinage in the region can be observed from two different series of coinage: The Federal Series and the Fractions of Orchomenus. Both series were minted under the Aeginetan standard of a ~12.21 gram stater, and were only minted from silver.

Orchomenus was a strong ally of Aegina and is believed by a large number of numismatists to be the first mint of Boeotia. It began producing obols weighing approximately 1 gram, with a grain being engraved on the obverse. This is in reference to their immense agricultural capabilities, which will be discussed in a further article. The reverses show the Aeginetan influence in the similarity of the incuse punch design. These are almost identical, and in some cases are direct copies of those found on the coinage of Aegina. This was an extensive series of coinage, and by far the most common archaic series from the region.

The Federal series stems from the political nature of Boeotia: a Federation. The Boeotian league was an entity that formed towards the end of the Archaic period to strengthen the towns within against the neighboring city-states and regions. The federation will be discussed later, but out of its members, only three minted the first series coinage. These mostly consisted of Drachms, again on the aegintan standard, but contained most other denominations (Stater, Hemidrachm, Obol) that are known by far fewer surviving examples. This series is of federal origin, but the coinage is referred to by its mint instead of a federal mint, since these can be identified. The three cities were: Thebes, Tanagra, and Haliartos. The series shows the Shield of Herakles on the obverse, which is commonly known as the Boeotian shield, due to its continued usage on coinage in the region. The obverse is either anipegraphic (for which case the mint is assumed to be Thebes), containing the letters T and or A in the arrangements T, T-T, T-A, A-T (for which it is Tanagra), and the letter Heta, engraved in its archaic script, sometimes referred to as an aspirate (for which it is Haliartos). The letters are contained within the openings of the shield on the obverse, this being unique for the first series. The incuse punches resemble the windmill patterns of Aegina, but unique arrangements emerge. Thebes produced the majority of the coinage known, Tanagra followed not too far behind, and Haliartos is by far the most scarce mint from this series. For my coins, they will be presented in this order:

Thebes

Tanagra

Haliartos

Series II, Early Classical Period, ~480-457 BC.

The second series is characterized by the development of the incuse and the change in leadership of the Boeotian League. The Theban Medizing during the second Persian war led the post-war council to execute the city's leadership and grant leadership of the fractured Boeotian League to Tanagra, which shows a considerable development in coinage.

The federal series of incuse coinage continues, now with the letter initials of the cities being moved to the reverse (for most cases), and the obverse would continue to be the Boeotian shield throughout the Classical period. Several new mints join in this series: Akraiphon, Pharai, Koroneia, Mykalessos; however, most of these are either unique or extremely rare and in museums. We can see clear development in the coinage of Thebes, where the design stays consistent through the denominations:

Stater

Drachm

Hemidrachm

The shield remains the obverse; however, on the stater, an interesting development is found: the shield is segmented into different sections on the outer rim with the presence of engraved spokes. So far, I have encountered variants with 2, 8, and 10 spokes on various coins. The letter Theta in its archaic script can be seen on the reverse, which is a mint mark for Thebes. The city also has an extremely rare coin with a five-lettered legend. The reverse begins with the archaic theta in the center, but then is surrounded by four letters: Θ Β Η Α

Tanagra can also be seen developing the incuse punch, this time having letters on both sides, and an unusual arrangement for the reverse lettering.

One of the most convincing pieces of evidence we have for Tanagra's new leadership is their development of a symbol on the reverse. The horse quickly becomes a symbol of Tanagra, with only the forepart being depicted on the coinage. This symbol continues to be used on the city's coinage and will be seen later in my collection, as the early pieces are very rare.

From this series, we also have the first truly federal coinage from an unknown federal mint. These contain a series of fractions (obol and hemiobol) with a shield or half shield, respectively, and a theta with a sphere in the center of the reverse. This is different from the theta of Thebes, which does not have the sphere in the center. The half shield will remain as a denomination mark for either a hemiobol or hemitetartemorion

Series III, Early Classical Period, ~457-448 BC.

This series can be characterized by the conflict that was ongoing throughout its span: The First Peloponnesian War. This conflict will be discussed in another paper, but the immediate outcome of 457 BC was the captivity and forced entry of the Boetian League (except for Thebes, which managed its independence) into the Delian League. During this period, it is believed that Boeoita was reduced to two (possibly three) mints, the first of which is Tanagra.

This series is clearly defined in its development from the initial use of the forepart of a horse, and the ability of the civic engravers to create much more refined versions of this symbol:

The coinage of the second confirmed mint (Thebes) is extremely rare, and often known from a few examples. During this period, a development similar to Tanagra can be seen in the emergence of a symbol on the reverse. The two major symbols developed by Thebes are: the Volute Krater and the Kantharos. Both of these are wine-related objects, which are representative of the very influential cult of Dionysus from the city. Other symbols are tested on the fractions, with an ivy leaf present. This would remain a symbol on the coinage, but unlike the first two, would not remain the major symbol on the reverse. The club of Hercules also appears as a small symbol, another way to represent the most famous Greek hero, who was born in Thebes. The legends vary, from the most typical being Θ E, but sometimes extending to Θ Ε B. Large denominations are not seen from Thebes.

Series IV, High Classical Period, ~448-425 BC.

The series begins with the liberation of Boeotia by Thebes at the battle of Koroneia and the reinstatement of the city as federal leader. I refer to the early coinage from this series as the Artistic Series. A sharp departure can be seen from the previous series as Thebes begins to regain control of the league and slowly grows more powerful. Quite a unique development can be seen in the coinage; sometimes, throughout this time frame, the theta changes from the archaic script to the classical, with a dot in the center. Why is the series referred to as "Artistic"?: The presence of mythological subjects (heroes, gods, and "historical") figures and scenes on the coinage. This is by far the most desirable series, which is also very scarce; most examples are known from fewer than 10 specimens. I have one example from this early series, a side profile of Herakles:

The development of other reverse styles is also present; the largest development can be seen in the volute krater and kantharos types.

Early staters from the series retain the square incuse, archaic script for the theta, and a simplified style of Krater, with a larger focus on the volute handles. The obverse is also quite high in relief compared to later issues.

We can see a shift from the simple emblem-based coinage to this new experimental series showing various mythological subjects and continuing the emblems of the cult of Dionysus.

Series V, High Classical Period, ~425-395 BC.

The major event that characterizes this series is the Peloponnesian War, and the subsequent post-war Spartan leadership. During this time window, there is an explosion of civic coinage from Thebes, the style becomes more refined, and engravers create more fluid busts and scenes on coinage. Remnants of the artistic series that preceded this can be clearly seen in two more prominent types: Herakliskos Drakonopnigon and Dionysus.

The krater-type stater is seen in much larger numbers, and with different control symbols dotting the various dies engraved. An interesting observation can be made with this particular issue: the earlier types still retain a very high relief compared to the later ones.

Very High Relief:

Lowered Relief:

Fouree staters have also been discovered; this is one of the earlier types. These, however, are quite scarce compared to regular issues.

Apart from larger denominations, fractions are also seen with several reverse types, in particular the grape, krater, and club of Herakles (which was previously seen)

It is worth mentioning that the majority of other mints are believed to have ceased production during the last two series.

The next series is extremely large, varied, and is the absolute peak of Boeotian coinage; hence, it will be split into two sections.

Series VI_A, Late Classical Period, ~395-364 BC.

The first section of this series will discuss Federal coinage and non-Theban civic issues.

Several mints are believed to have either restarted production of coinage, with several new mints being opened. The new mints include: Chaeronea, Kopai, Lebadeia, Plataiai, Thespiai. The returning mints: Tanagra, Haliartos, Akraiphon, Pharai, Mykalessos, and Orchomenus (which finally adorns the Boeotian shield). It is worth noting that every mint within this series uses the Boeotian shield as the obverse until the end of the Classical Period.

New symbols and emblems are chosen by the mints:

Owned:

Thespiai - crescent, double crescent, or Aphrodite Melainis, with the legends ΘΕ ΘΕΣ ΘΕΣΠI ΘΕΣΠΙΚΟΝ

Koroneia - gorgon facing, Athena in profile (helmeted) or Athena facing, with the legends KO KOP

Mykalessos - thunderbolt, grape cluster, with the legend MY

Tanagra - forepart of horse, various control symbols, with the legends TA TAN

Orchomenus (also with bronzes) - horse galloping right, boeotian shield adorned with grain ear, three grains aligned (denomination marks), disk with 6 radiating rays, with the legends ERXO ER RE

Pharai - volute krater, sometimes grain ear, with the legend ΦA

Not owned

Large Bronze Series - Thespiai, Tanagra, Plataiai, Haliartos

Haliartos

Chaeronea

Lebadeia

Akraiphon

Kopai

Plataiai

The vast civic coinage of the early fourth century BC is hard to explain, and could be caused by multiple factors: need for troops during the Corinthian War, the King's Peace, and various cities attempting to establish prestige.

The civic coinage of Boeotia came to an end somewhere in the middle of the fourth century BC, This is likely during the period of Theban Hegemony. A large portion of the civic series is dated to right before 371 or 364, which is the period that Thebes began to slowly subdue the cities and force them into its control. Out of this period, sometime in 373/2 Plataea is destroyed, and resettled by Thebes, and in 364 the last stronghold of Theban resistance falls - Orchomenus, after which this civic series is believed to end.

Series VI_B, Late Classical Period, ~395-338 BC.

A federal issue of coinage is believed to have started this series, with the majority of examples being staters and hemidrachms modeled after the earlier Theban coins, bearing a volute krater on the staters and a kantharos for the hemidrachms. These again vary with control symbols, with some, such as: club of Hercules, the grape cluster, bow, crescent, and others present. The legends are as follows: BO-I B-OI BO-IΩ

This hemidrachm series is the most recommended and accessible coinage of the region in my opinion.

Thebes also participated in fractional coinage, in a style similar to the federal hemidrachms, however, slightly cruder in style. This leads me to believe in an earlier sequence for these hemidrachms (the first in the series), or them bleeding over and acting as transitional pieces from Series V. These coins show a kantharos with a club of Herakles, which has become standard, with the legend ΘE-BH

The most famous sequence of coinage that is present during this series, and in the overall chronology of the region, is commonly referred to as: The Theban Magistrate Series. This extremely extensive, varied, and consistent series of coinage shows the development of Thebes from a second-rate city to the foremost Polis in Greece, and then its eventual decline and destruction by Philip. I will be using the Hepworth sequence of magistrates (1998 work) to group my examples!

Period I - (395-382BC)

Thebes was constantly at war, Corinthian war rages during this period, pro and anti-Spartan factions fight for dominance in the oligarchy. At the end of the period, the Cadmeia (acropolis) is garnisoned by Sparta.

Group A1

ΔIΩ

ΔI - Ω - Rare - NO

Δ - IΩ - Rare - NO

ANTI

T - I | A - N (Scarce) - NO

EXE

E - XE - Rare - NO

Group A2

ANTI

AN - IT (Sideways legend) - Rare - NO

A - N | T - I - club above, left - Uncommon - NO

T - I | A - N - club above, right - Extremely Rare - NO

T - I | A - И - club above, right- Rare - NO

TIMI

T - I | M - club bottom right field, down - Rare - NO

TI - MI - club right field, above legend , down- Rare - NO

TI - MI - club left field, above legend, down - Rare - NO

TI - MI - club above, right - ivy leaf from left handle, down - Uncommon - NO

T - I | M - I - club above, left - ivy leaf from left handle, down - Rare - NO

EXE

E - | Ψ - E - club above, left - ivy leaf from each handle down - Uncommon - NO

E - XE - club above, left - ivy leaf from each handle down - Rare - NO

E - XE - club left field, down - Unique - NO

HIKE

HI - KE - wreath above, down - Uncommon - NO

HI - KE - club above, right - ivy leaf from right handle, down - Rare - NO

HI - KE - club above, left - ivy leaf from right handle, down - Rare - NO

HI - KE - club above, right - ivy leaf from each handle, down - olive branch left field - Rare - NO

HI - KE - club above, left - ivy leaf from each handle, down - olive leaves and fluting on foot of krater - Rare - NO

ΔAMO

ΔA - MO - wreath above, down - Uncommon - NO

ΔA - MO - club above, right - 2 ivy leaves + berries left from left handle - Extremely Rare - NO

ΔA - MO - club above, left - 2 ivy leaves + berries left from left handle - Rare - NO

ΔA - M{O/Ω} - club above, left, 3 iv leaves + berries left from left handle - O re carved into Ω - Rare - owned - BCD plate

ΔA - MΩ - club above, left, 2 ivy leaves + berries left from left handle - Uncommon- NO

ΔA - M.. - vine foliage above, ivy leaf right from right handle - Unique - NO

Group A3

ΔAMΩ

ΔA - MΩ - wreath above, down - Uncommon - owned

FAΣT (Wastias) - pro-Spartan rival of Androkleidas

FA - ΣT - bucranium above - Uncommon - owned

FA - ΣT - ivy tandril with 3 leaves + berries rising from krater - Rare - NO

FA - ΣT - ivy tandril with 4 leaves + berries rising from krater - Rare - NO

ANDR (Androkleidas) - anti-Spartan rival of Wastias.

AN - DR - wreath above - Uncommon - NO

AN - DR - raised krater - Uncommon - NO

Group A4

FAΣT (Wastias) - pro-Spartan rival of Androkleidas (wins, Sparta garissons Cadmeia)

FA - ΣT - corn grain above - Common - NO

Period II - 379-368 BC

Thebes had just been liberated from Spartan control and was now set on its path to dominate Boeotia and become the hegemon of Greece.

Group B1

ΘEOΓ

ΘE - OΓ - caduceus above, right - Uncommon - owned

ΘE - OΓ - caduceus above, left - Common - owned

KLEES

KL - EE - wreath above, down - Extremely Rare - NO

KL - EE - incense burner right field - Uncommon - owned

KL - EES - incense burner right field - Uncommon - NO

KΛ - EEΣ - wreath above, down - Uncommon - owned

KΛ - EΣ - wreath above, down - Rare - NO

Group B2

ΨARO

ΨA - RO - wreath above, down - Uncommon - NO

ΨA - RO - ivy leaves and berries above, outwards - Uncommon - NO

ΨA - RO - large ivy leaves and berries in both fields - Uncommon - NO

OR - AΨ - wreath above, down - Rare - NO

XA - PO - wreath above, down - Rare - NO

Group B3

ΠEΛI

ΠE - ΛI - Common - NO

AMΦI

AM - ΦI (Uncommon) - NO

ΠOΘI

ΠO - ΘI - Uncommon - NO

Group B4

ΠYΘI

ΠY - ΘI - vine foliage above - Rare - NO

EYΓI

EY - ΓI - Uncommon - NO

Group C

HIΣME (Ismenias)

H - I | Σ - M - grape cluster on branch above - Rare - NO (grouped in group A by Hepworth via obverse die match)

HIΣ - ME - Uncommon - NO

ONAΣ

ON - AΣ - Uncommon - NO

ΠTOI

ΠT - OI - Common - owned

ΔAIM

ΔA - IM - Common - owned (duplicate), second example displays a die clog for the entire letter I

Period III - 368-364 BC

Epaminondas' control over Greece is slipping, he loses his most trusted general and has not had much military success, cracks begin to form in Theban leadership.

Group KΛIΩ(N) - Kleondas?

KΛIΩN - a group with no obverse die links, only within the group, intermediate period by style.

KL - IΩ - Common - owned (duplicate)

KΛI - ΩN - Uncommon - NO

KΛ - IΩN - Uncommon - owned

Group ARKA

- a group like KLION with no obverse die links, placed in period III by style.

ARKA

AR - KA - Rare - owned

AP - KA - 2 ivy leaves on each handle - Common - owned

Group D1

KABI

KA - BI - Common - owned

Group Poly - unique example, unverifiable authenticity

ΠOΛY

ΠO - ΛY - Unique - NO

Period IV - 364-362 BC

Epaminondas, the greatest statesman of Thebes, battles against Sparta and dies at Mantinea.

Group D1

EΠΠAMI(nondas)

EΠ - AM - Rare - NO

EΠ - ΠA - Rare - owned

Group D2i

EΠΠAMI(nondas)

EΠ - ΠA - boeotian shield above - Uncommon - NO

Group D2ii

EΠΠAMI(nondas)

EΠ - AMI - rose above - Rare - NO

EΠ - AM | - I - rose above - Rare - NO

Period V - 363-338 BC

Thebes had lost its greatest leader, and the city began to rapidly decline in influence, falling from its position as hegemon; a gradual degradation in style can be observed.

Group D2i

ΘEOT

ΘE - OT - Rare - NO

ΘEOΠ

ΘE - OΠ - Rare - owned

ΔIOK

ΔI - OK - Common - owned, only variant:

AΓΛA

AΓ - ΛA - Common - owned, only variant, duplicate:

KAΛΛI

KA - ΛI - Uncommon - NO

KA - ΛΛI - Common - owned

Group D3i

TIMO

TI - MO - Rare - owned

OΛYM

OΛ - YM - laurel leaf above, right - Rare - NO

OΛ - YM - laurel leaf above, left - Extremely Rare - NO

ΦIΔO

ΦI - ΔO - grape cluster on branch above - Uncommon - NO

AΠOΛ

AΠ - OΛ - Grapes on branch above - Uncommon - NO

ΦIΛO

ΦIΛO - grape cluster on branch above - Extremely rare - NO

EYFAPA (Euwara)

EY - FA | P - A - Unique - NO

EY - FA | P - A - crescent above, down - Extremely Rare - NO

EY - FA | P - A - club above, right - grape bunch on branch below club - Uncommon - NO

EY - FA | - A - club above, right - grape bunch on branch below club - Extremely Rare - NO

KPAT

KP - AT - Rare - owned (duplicate)

KP - AT - boeotian helmet above, right - Rare - NO

ΔIOΓ

Δ - I | O - Γ - club above, right - Extremely Rare - NO

FEPΓ (Werg)

FE - PΓ - Rare - NO

ANTI

AN - TI - Dolphin left above krater - Rare - NO

ΔAMOKΛ

ΔA - MO | K - Λ - club above, right, Rare - owned

Group D3ii

ΛYKI

ΛY - KI - Unique - NO

ΛY - KI - grape cluster on branch above - Extremely Rare - NO

APIΣ

AP - IΣ - Grapes on branch above - Unique - NO

Group D4

AΣΩΠ (one of these is also present in group D3i, the bottom type)

A - Σ | Ω - grape cluster right field - Uncommon - owned

A - Σ | Ω - grape cluster right field - club right above - Unique - NO

A - Σ | Ω - Π - club right above - Uncommon - NO

Group ΞENO? - Unsure if examples are real

ΞENO

ΞE - NO - arrow above, left - fully fluted krater - Extremely Rare - NO

That was a lengthy series, and the major focus of my Boeotian collection.

The Magistrate series can also be partially collected in bronze, as a small secondary issue exists bearing some of the magistrates' names. I have not catalogued these to the standard of the silver issues, but here are some examples

Series VII - Hellenistic Period, ~338-288 BC.

Thebes is reduced from its hegemonic position in the Boeotian league, and other cities are granted autonomy under Philip II after Chaeronea in 338 BC. Thebes instead switched to producing bronze issues similar to the magistrate bearing ones, instead switching to the legend: ΘHBAIΩN

The federal mint also began a new series of bronze coins, this time retaining the boeotian shield, with the reverse depicting a trident with a dolphin leaping, this time spelling out the full federal legend: ΒΟΙΩΤΩΝ.

Series VIII - Hellenistic Period, ~288-171 BC.

The start of this series begins with the various interactions the new Macedonian King Demetrios I Poliorcetes had with Thebes, the city was besieged and taken twice, and even used as a mint for Demetrios' coinage, producing a known series of Tetradrachms, Drachms, and Hemidrachms, for the first time using the Attic weight standard. After this period of control by Macedon, Thebes was freed in 287 BC and granted autonomy. For this, they struck an extremely rare issue of a tetradrachm bearing the head of Poseidon on the obverse and a seated Poseidon with a dolphin and a trident. This issue is extremely rare and hard to acquire.

The federal mint continued to produce coinage during this time, creating several rare issues of bronzes, this time departing with the boeotian shield obverse and choosing deities to represent, closely resembling contemporary types from other regions.

Several silver issues were later struck by the federal mint, first around 250 BC, to pay for troops during a large-scale conflict with the Aetolian League. These bear a front-facing Persephone-Kore on the obverse and Poseidon with a dolphin on the reverse. Poseidon has replaced Herakles and Dionysus as the staple subject on Boeotian coinage. The Boeotian shield is reduced to a control for these drachms, which were minted on a reduced standard, somewhere between Attic and Aeginetan.

The federal mint created a new silver issue around the last quarter of the 3rd century BC, a series that runs until the Macedonian Wars, this time also featuring the profile of Poseidon, and a Nike with a wreath.

The final and largest federal issue that can be attributed to this period is a series of overstrikes on Macedonian coinage. A lot of undertypes can be directed to the coinage of Antigonas II Gonatas and his famous Pan/Trophy type. My example clearly shows the Antigonid monogram of the undertype and is also a BCD plate.

Three civic mints are also believed to have operated during this period: Thebes, Thespiai, and Tanagra. I do not have examples for Tanagra.

Thebes is only credited with one issue until the Roman times, which surprisingly bears the Boeotian shield

Tanagra is credited with a much larger series that is inspired by Ptolemaic coinage, showing a veiled Arsinoe III and a lyre on the reverse, with the legend - ΘΕΣΠΙ-ΕΩΝ. This issue could be potentially tied to the naval aid that the Ptolemies granted to Central Greece around this period.

Series IX Hellenistic - Roman Imperial Period ~171 BC-69 AD

The last civic coinage for Boeotia can be dated to this period, in particular, the issue of Lebadeia

During the Macedonian wars against Perseus, two cities from Boeotia are attributed as mints for the pseudo-rhodian coinage that was produced: Haliartos and Lebadeia (which was not a native Boeotian city, but was accepted into the league for its strategic coastal position).

During this time, three mints slowly began their transition into the pseudo-autonomous coinage of the Roman Era, in particular: Thebes, Tanagra, and Thesipai. I have only an example from Thebes, which is dated to Galba, hence the end date for this series.

Series X - Roman Imperial Period ~ 69-200 AD

Boeotia's 3 mints remain as provincial mints under the new imperial era, mostly being used by the Antonines. This series is extremely rare, and I only have one example from Tanagra:

Series XI - Crusades ~ 1287-1308 AD

Thebes is used as a mint for the last time by the Crusaders, being part of the Principality of Achaea

I hope you enjoyed the read. More coins will be added as my collection is expanded.

- Boeotarch