The Greek 1 Euro coin of today is adorned by the same motif as the silver tetradrachm of Ancient Athens

Today's Greek one Euro coin is adorned with the same motif as the silver tetradrachm of Athens from the period 425-400 BCE.

The tetradrachm was a large silver coin that originated in Ancient Greece. It was nominally equivalent to four drachmaes. Over time, the tetradrachm effectively became the standard coin of the Antiquity, spreading well beyond the borders of the Greek World.

As a result, tetradrachms were minted in vast quantities by various polities in many weight and fineness standards. However, the Athens-derived Attic standard of about 17.2 grams was the most common.

Because of their large size, various states or rulers often used tetradrachms to advertise themselves or deliver political messages.

The tetradrachm's popularity outlived the Greeks' political independence. It remained in wide circulation in the Mediterranean up until the Crisis of the Third Century, while debased varieties persisted in India and Central Asia into the early Middle Ages.

Due to their often high artistic level, tetradrachms are eagerly collected in modern times, and well-preserved or rare specimens can reach considerable prices.

The article first appeared in Historic Vids.

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