Ancient African Coins

Which coins are considered Ancient African coins?

Ancient African coins encompass a variety of coinages minted across the continent during different periods. Some of the most notable examples are Egypt, the Aksumite Kingdom, the Mauretanian Kingdom, and the Numidian Kingdom. The Egyptian civilization minted coins dating back to the Ptolemaic period and later during the Roman period. The Aksumite Kingdom, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, minted coins from the 3rd to the 7th centuries CE. The Mauretanian Kingdom, located in present-day Morocco and Algeria, produced coins from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Numidian Kingdom cantered in present-day Algeria and Tunisia, minted coins from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

What were the first examples of Ancient African coins?

The earliest examples of ancient African coins can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians began minting coins during the Late Period, which was marked by cultural resurgence and international interactions. Specifically, it was during the reign of King Amasis (570-526 BCE) that the production of Egyptian coins commenced. These early coins, crafted from gold, were adorned with intricate designs and meaningful symbolism. The face of a sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human or animal, frequently appeared in the obverse of these coins. Meanwhile, the reverse featured depictions of various gods and goddesses from the Egyptian pantheon. Moreover, inscriptions in hieroglyphic or demotic script accompanied the imagery.

What are the most notable examples of ancient African coins?

Ancient African coins boast notable examples that reflect the continent's rich numismatic heritage and are highly sought after by collectors. Firstly, Carthaginian gold staters showcase the economic and political power of Carthage, whereas Aksumite Gold Coinage signifies the prominence of the Aksumite Empire in East Africa. Secondly, Ancient Egyptian coins are also of great value for numismatics, since they feature the Ptolemaic monarchs and the Ptolemaic eagle.

Which Ancient African coins are available at VCoins?

At VCoins, we offer a wide collection of Ancient African coins, ranging from Pharaonic Egypt to the kingdoms of Numidia, Aksum, and Mauretania. Coins minted by Carthaginians can be found in the Other subcategory.

Which ancient African civilizations minted their own coins, and during which time periods?

Several ancient African civilizations minted their own coins during different time periods. In Ancient Egypt, coin production began during the Late Period, specifically during the reign of King Amasis (570-526 BCE). The Carthaginian Empire, originating from the Phoenician civilization, minted coins from the 5th to the 1st centuries BCE. Another notable example is the Aksumite Empire, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, which minted coins from the 3rd to the 7th centuries CE. Finally, the Ghana Empire, a medieval West African civilization, minted gold coins known as "Ghanaian Dinars" or "Sahelian Dinars" from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE. The coinage of these civilizations provides valuable insights into their economic systems, political structures, and cultural expressions during their respective time periods.

Coins from the Aksumite Kingdom

The Aksumite Kingdom, which flourished from the 1st to the 8th centuries in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, produced its own coinage, known as Aksumite Gold Coinage. These coins were made of gold and featured a range of designs, including portraits of Aksumite kings on the obverse side. The reverse side depicted the cross motif, known as the Aksumite cross, which represented Christianity and symbolized the conversion of the kingdom to this religion. Additionally, they carried inscriptions in the Ge'ez script, which provided information about the rulers, such as their names and titles, and sometimes included religious invocations. The standardized weight and design of Aksumite coins made them easily recognizable and widely accepted in commerce, contributing to the flourishing trade networks of the region. Moreover, they played a significant role in promoting the spread of Christianity throughout the kingdom.

Coins from Pharaonic Egypt

As the use of coinage was in its infancy while the rule of Egypt by pharaohs was in its twilight, there is a scarcity of numismatic evidence within this region. Although entirely possible that more may come to light in the future, most coins from this time are of Nektanebo II (c.360-342 BC). Still, there were some examples of ancient Egyptian "coin-like" objects that served economic purposes. One such example is the gold stater of King Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221 BCE). This coin-like piece was a large gold medal with the image of the reigning pharaoh on one side and the deity of the city of Alexandria, Serapis, on the other. Another coin-like object from Pharaonic Egypt is the "hemiobol" or "debens" of the New Kingdom period (1550-1077 BCE). These small copper or bronze pieces had a consistent weight and were used for smaller transactions.

Mauretanian Kingdom

The Mauretanian Kingdom existed in modern north Africa of the Mediterranean coast, including Morocco and the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, from c.3rd century BC until 44 BC as a Berber Kingdom, then becoming a client state under the Roman Empire, and finally a Roman Province until 431 AD. Mauretanian coins often featured the image of the ruling monarch on the obverse side, while the reverse side commonly displayed various symbols, such as depictions of gods, animals, or regional motifs. The Mauretanian coinage comprised denominations like drachms and tetradrachms, indicating their use in larger transactions and trade. These coins were typically made of silver, underscoring the kingdom's wealth and connection to Mediterranean trade networks.

Numidian Kingdom

The Numidian Kingdom existed in modern Algeria and part of Tunisia from c.202 BC until 46 BC. After Julius Caesar defeated Juba I, the Numidian Kingdom was renamed Africa Nova, until Augustus restored Juba II as the King of Numidia in 31 BC. Then it became a client state of the Roman Empire. Eventually, Numidia was absorbed into the Mauretanian Kingdom and Africa Nova. Numidian coins were typically made of bronze or silver. The obverse side depicted the ruling monarch or a member of the royal family, whereas the reverse side displayed various symbols, such as depictions of gods, animals, or military equipment. The coins were influenced by the neighbouring civilizations, particularly the Carthaginians and later the Romans. This can be observed in the evolution of the coin designs over time, showcasing a fusion of indigenous Numidian elements with external influences.