Numismatic and History Discussion Forums > Greek Coins Discussion Forum
Ptolemy heavy weights
Peattie:
What is the reason for the minting of the large, heavy coins by the greeks in egypt? The coin I have just bought weights 69g and is 41mm diam. You would have to have a stout belt to stop your pants falling down with a few of those in your pockets. :)
LordBest:
They were used as emergency weapons by Ptolemaic troops during their wars with the Seleukids. ;) I think they were just minted to show off.
"Look at us, were minting the largest bronze coins ever minted (in ancient times) 'cos were so fantastically wealthy and advanced, nianianiania"
LordBest. 8)
esnible:
One theory is that the Ptolemies could set the legal exchange rate between bronze and silver. They could say 'this huge coin is equivelent to a tetradrachm' and obligate merchants to accept it as such.
One side effect of the large bronzes is that it enabled Hero of Alexandria to invent the vending machine in 215 BC.
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bruce61813:
"One side effect of the large bronzes is that it enabled Hero of Alexandria to invent the vending machine in 215 BC." Did that get you the large or regular amphora of wine? ;)
Sorry, about this but it has been a long day of removing viruses from proples computers and making the work -
Bruce
Automan:
Well, it's not that strange. In Sweden in the 17th and early 18th Centuries copper was used as intrinsic value-based currency in the same way that silver and gold was. The largest coin weighed over 40 lbs (19 kg). Yes, these were coins in every definition of the word. Meant for public circulation, dies imprinting the name of the issuing authorities etc.
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