Drachma
The denomination and its multiples in the Greek world
The drachma is one of the main denominations of Greek coinage, especially in silver. The name identifies a unit within a monetary system: weight and value were not identical in every city and in every era.
Drachma, obols and multiples
In the Greek system of reference, one drachma corresponded to six obols. The didrachma was worth two drachmas and the tetradrachma four. A tetradrachma is therefore a multiple of the drachma, even when it constitutes the most representative denomination of the coinage of a city.
| Denomination | Drachmas | Obols |
|---|---|---|
| Obol | 1/6 | 1 |
| Drachma | 1 | 6 |
| Didrachma | 2 | 12 |
| Tetradrachm | 4 | 24 |
One name, different weight standards
The Attic drachma had a theoretical weight of approximately 4.3 grams, with a tetradrachma of approximately 17.2 grams. In the Egyptian standard the drachma was heavier, around 6.1 grams. The differences are not simple variations of the same specimen: they belong to different weight systems.
The stater cannot be converted into drachmas without knowing the system: in the Corinthian standard the silver stater of about 8.6 grams was divided into three drachmas. The actual weight of a coin may also differ from the theoretical weight due to production, wear or changes in the standard.
From cities to Hellenistic kingdoms
Greek coins express the identity of the issuer through images and legends. Athenian coinage is known for Athena and the Owl; other cities adopted different symbols. Alexander's conquests favored a wider diffusion of the Attic standard, while his successors initially continued to issue coins in his name as well.
To attribute a drachma or tetradrachma it is therefore necessary to read together city or authority, figurative types, legends, weight and period. A portrait or a name is not enough to determine who actually minted an example.
The connection with Rome
The Roman-Campanian coinage documents the comparison between Rome and the Greek monetary models of southern Italy. The Roman-Campanian didrachma must be distinguished from the subsequent Roman organization around denarius.