Does anyone know anything about ancient Egyptian coin usage?

cladking

I can't think of any coins made there until quite late. Were there any Egyptian coins
before moderns times? Where were the coins they used made at any point in their history?

I often find it incredible they could build the pyramids and have commerce but no coins.

CIVITAS

The Ptolemies minted coinage in Egypt during the 3rd through 1st centuries B.C.E. A very few coins had been struck in the fourth century B.C.E. But since the concept of western coinage as we know it wasn't developed until around 700-650 B.C.E., there were no Egyptian coins circulating during the times of the building of the pyramids and the extravagant dynastic tombs.

Leiana

Yes, the Ptolemies minted coins, as said above.

Of course, that was a Greek dynasty.

Interesting to note is that there have been counterfieting tools discovered in Egypt that date to the Ptolemic dynasty. So there are probably some contemporary counterfeit coins dating from that time as well.

Egypt was called Aegyptos by the Ptolemies, I believe.

-Amanda

Leiana

My book says that Ancient Egyptians used the barter system.

Beyond that, grains of barley had a measurable value.

-Amanda

cladking

Thanks guys. That's very helpful already.

I tried googling "ancient Egyptian coins' and found little relevant except eBay.

Is there any online (or other) resource you can recommend?

Leiana

It depends on what you want to know. Are you interested in Ptolemic coins, or simply Egyptian commerce?

-Amanda

Leiana

Here is a very cool site on Ptolemaic coins

Discusses the significance of some devices on the coins.

More on Ptolemaic coins

A lot of text, but good reading.

Ancient Egyptian economy

Ancient Egyptian Trade

Hope that helps.

-Amanda

SYRACUSIAN

<< <i>Yes, the Ptolemies minted coins, as said above.

Of course, that was a Greek dynasty.

Interesting to note is that there have been counterfieting tools discovered in Egypt that date to the Ptolemic dynasty. So there are probably some contemporary counterfeit coins dating from that time as well.

Egypt was called Aegyptos by the Ptolemies, I believe.

-Amanda >>







Amanda, for a YN you are exceptionally well informed.



It is still called Aegyptos today over here. Aegyptos, female ,like the vast majority of countries, despite the masculine -os at the end.

Leiana

<< <i>Amanda, for a YN you are exceptionally well informed.



It is still called Aegyptos today over here. Aegyptos, female ,like the vast majority of countries, despite the masculine -os at the end. >>



Thanks!

Ancient Archaeology is a special interest of mine, I plan on being an Archaeologist.

I have wanted to learn Greek for some time.

-Amanda

earlwbollinger

As I understand it,
Before they started minting coins, a barter system around precious and semi-precious metals was highly developed.
They would usually wrap a gold and or silver serpentine wire bracelet around their arms and or wrists. Then they would cut off a piece to pay for something. Carrying gold was a lot more practical than carrying around 100 bushels of wheat or corn or something.
They also had rather complex exchange rates setup for such commodoties too. Mainly for tax purposes.
Someone would exchange their produce for gold, silver, copper, etc. , then go over to the tax man to pay their taxes.
Granted the tax man would have a real problem carrying around lots of produce.

Then when the Greeks came over, coins became very popular.

cladking

<< <i>Here is a very cool site on Ptolemaic coins

Discusses the significance of some devices on the coins.

More on Ptolemaic coins

A lot of text, but good reading.

Ancient Egyptian economy

Ancient Egyptian Trade

Hope that helps.

-Amanda >>



Wow! Thanks a million. It's going to take me a while to digest all this.

I had no idea that there were so many coins actually issued in Egypt.

Leiana

You are quite welcome.

-Amanda

Stork

<< <i>Amanda, for a YN you are exceptionally well informed. >>



I would say she is well informed, YN or otherwise . Very nice to posts all those links!



Cathy

BigAlan

There are some Egyptian coins that predate the Ptolemies. They are gold...and rare. They are Greek in design with the addition of the hieroglyph for "gold." They were found in southern Egypt and used to pay Greek mercenaries.