From Sicily to Macedon, these ancient Greek silver didrachms show how cities and kings used small silver coins to project identity, power, and belief.

This article surveys a selection of ancient Greek silver AR didrachms and explains their imagery, inscriptions, mints, weight standards, and historical context. Readers will find clear descriptions of obverse and reverse types, regional background, and the reasons these coins still matter to collectors and historians.

Segesta, Sicily: Greek Silver AR Didrachm with Head of the Nymph Segesta and Hound

Segesta, Sicily — AR didrachm. The obverse shows the head of the nymph Segesta facing right within a linear circle. The reverse carries a hound standing to left. The inscription is not visible on this specimen. In the field, no additional symbol can be clearly identified. The piece is described as very fine and rare. In modern terms, this indicates an early civic silver coin of Segesta that combines a local nymph type with the city’s well-known hound motif.

• Year: Minted circa 480–461 BC.
• Diameter: Known examples of this type measure about 23 mm.
• Weight: Standard weight of this type: about 8.06–8.23 g / 0.28–0.29 oz.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to see Ancient Greek Silver AR Stater Coins.

Taras, Calabria: Greek Silver AR Didrachm with Young Horseman and Taras on Dolphin

Taras, Calabria — AR didrachm. The obverse shows a young horseman galloping to the right. The reverse carries Taras riding left on a dolphin. The inscription reads ΤΑΡΑΣ. In the field, no secondary symbol can be made out with certainty on the present photograph. The reverse figure appears to hold a torch-like object in the right hand. In modern terms, this indicates a civic silver coin of Taras that combines the city’s famous horseman type with its dolphin-rider founder figure.

• Year: Probably minted circa 400–355 BC.
• Diameter: Comparable examples measure about 20–21.4 mm.
• Weight: Recorded weight of this specimen: 120 grains, about 7.78 g / 0.27 oz.

How much is it worth?

A similar example, in excellent antique condition, sold on eBay (USA) for $1,798.20 in Feb 2026.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to see Silver AR Tetradrachm Coins.

Taras, Calabria: Greek Silver AR Didrachm with Helmeted Horseman and Taras on Dolphin K Waves

Taras, Calabria — AR didrachm. The obverse shows a youthful horseman to left, wearing a helmet and holding shield and spear. The reverse carries Taras on dolphin to left. The inscription reads ΤΑΡΑΣ. In the field appears Δ beneath the horse and K below the dolphin, with formal waves beneath. The piece is described as exceptionally fine and a rare type. In modern terms, this indicates a civic silver coin of Taras that combines its martial horseman imagery with the city’s foundational dolphin-rider type.

• Year: Minted circa 344–340 BC.
• Diameter: Known examples of this type measure about 21–21.7 mm.
• Weight: The illustrated specimen was recorded at 123 grains, about 7.97 g / 0.28 oz. Comparable examples weigh about 7.4–7.9 g.

How much is it worth?

A similar example, in very good antique condition, sold on eBay (USA) for $1,618.20 in Feb 2026.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to see Silver AR Tetradrachm Coins (Part 2).

Terina, Bruttium: Greek Silver AR Didrachm with Head of Nike and Seated Nike Holding a Wreath

Terina, Bruttium — AR didrachm. The obverse shows the head of Nike to left, with the hair bound in a sphendone. The reverse carries Nike seated to left on a cippus and holding a wreath. The inscription reads ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΟΝ. In the field behind appears Π. The piece is noted as fine and rare. In modern terms, this indicates a refined civic silver issue of Terina that repeats Nike imagery on both sides in different forms.

• Year: Minted circa 420–400 BC.
• Diameter: Comparable examples of this seated-Nike didrachm series measure about 18.5–21 mm.
• Weight: Recorded weight of this specimen: 116 grains, about 7.52 g / 0.27 oz.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to see Silver AR Tetradrachm Coins (Part 3).

Macedon, Macedonia: Greek Silver AR Didrachm with Diademed Head of Philip V and Club within Oak Wreath

Macedon, Macedonia — AR didrachm. The obverse shows the diademed head of King Philip V facing right. The reverse carries a club and three monograms, all enclosed within an oak wreath. The inscription reads ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ. In the field appears the group of monograms around the club. The piece is described as very fine and very rare. In modern terms, this indicates a royal silver issue of Philip V that combines the king’s portrait with dynastic and Heraklean symbolism.

• Year: Minted during the reign of Philip V, 221–179 BC.
• Diameter: Known examples of this type measure about 20–22 mm.
• Weight: Recorded weight of this specimen: 116 grains, about 7.52 g / 0.27 oz.

How much is it worth?

A similar example, in good antique condition, sold on eBay (USA) for $675 in March 2026.

Epirote Republic, Epirus: Greek Silver Didrachm with Jugate Heads of Zeus Dodonaios and Dione and Bull in Oak Wreath

Epirote Republic, Epirus — AR didrachm. The obverse shows jugate heads of Zeus Dodonaios and Dione facing right. The reverse carries a bull rushing to the right within an oak wreath. The inscription reads ΑΠΕΙΡΩΤΑΝ. In the field appears ΦΙ to the left on the obverse. The piece is described as very rare and in fair preservation. In modern terms, this indicates a federal silver issue of Epirus that links the sanctuary of Dodona with the collective identity of the Epirotes.

• Year: Minted circa 234/233–168 BC.
• Diameter: Known examples of this type measure about 28–28.5 mm.
• Weight: Known examples of this type weigh about 9.59–9.95 g / 0.34–0.35 oz.

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