Silver Coin (Decadrachm) Of Syracuse, of about 395-380 B.C., showing the head of the local nymph Arethusa, and signed
by the artist Euainetus. One of the largest and finest of Greek coins.
Silver Coin Of Elis, of about 350BC, showing the head of Zeus. These fine issues were probably associated with Olympic
festivals, controlled by Elis.
Coinage from the start generally carried a state blazon for identification and as guarantee. Once devices were set also on the
reverses of coins they could carry other emblems of political or religious importance, and once the coins were in common
inter-state use rather than for local exchange (for services, fines, taxes, etc.) they became as much ambassadors of the
issuing city as its dedications might seem to be at Olympia or Delphi, and dies were commissioned from artists of quality,
some of whom even signed their work.
Much of Greek art was, in the broadest sense, functional. Artists were commissioned for works which had a fairly clearly
defined purpose, so it is important to understand the motives and resources of those who stimulated production of the
objects and buildings which we tend to view and judge in a far more disinterested manner.