Greek Fractional Silver Coins (Group of Three)

In the world of ancient Greek coinage, the term “fractional silver” refers to the very small denominations of silver coins that circulated alongside the larger drachms and tetradrachms. The most common of these was the obol, valued at one-sixth of a drachm and typically weighing around 0.8 grams. Even smaller divisions existed: coins designated as quarters of an obol or other tiny subdivisions have been documented weighing as little as ~0.13 grams. Such minute denominations were the silver change of the ancient Greek world—subtle in size but essential in everyday commerce.

What makes these tiny coins especially interesting to both scholars and collectors is how they open a window into the economy of the Greek city-states. Because they were practical for low-value transactions, their very existence illustrates a sophisticated monetary system that accommodated everything from large international trade down to the small retail purchase. Their small flans, light weight and varied iconography reflect both local minting practices and the broader standardization of silver coinage in the Classical and Hellenistic eras. While they may not carry the same visual punch as a grand Athenian tetradrachm, fractional silver coins remind us that every economy—ancient or modern—needed small change.

Each order includes three random Greek fractional silver coins (5mm to 10mm each), and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.