Coins, one of the great practical inventions of the Greeks, were for them an artistic medium no less worthy than sculpture or pottery. Coupled with the aesthetic values of Greek coins, magnificently demonstrated here, is the contribution they make to archaeological data and to our knowledge of ancient rulers, political alliances, and economics. The great beauty of Greek coins and the consummate skill employed in their production are revealed in the plates of this book. A few specimens are illustrated actual size, reminding us of their monetary use, but the rest are enlarged from two to as much as five times, permitting us to view them as with a magnifying glass. These small objects suddenly reveal an unexpected sculptural force, and they can be appreciated as the full equals of Greek sculpture in stone. The precious metals of the coins—gold, silver, and electrum, an alloy of gold and silver—contribute to their beauty and are faithfully reproduced in the colorplates. These coins were minted throughout the Greek world, which extended from Asia Minor to Spain in seven major areas. All of the important mints are included here, enabling the reader to follow the development of the coins of different areas. Turning these pages, we realize the extent and the importance of Greek civilization. Professor Max Hirmer, a long-time connoisseur of ancient coins, has photographed the finest specimens in the museums and private collections of Europe and in the international auctions of recent years. In the 240 plates over 800 individual coins are illustrated—the majority shown on both sides. Dr. Colin M. Kraay, of the Heberden Coin Room of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, brings out the many aspects of Greek coinage in his introductory text. He provides the history of each area, mint, and coin, which makes the book an obvious necessity for collectors. Here is a skillful selection of the finest Greek coins accompanied by an authoritative text. Every reader can now enjoy these coins as works of art, and experts and students will delight in this new documentation of historical and numismatic values. GREEK COINS I SYRACUSE, 79. 480-479 bc. Rev. Head of Arethusa (x5)