Gardner, Percy: The principles of Greek art (London, 1924)

CHAPTER XX

COINS IN RELATION TO HISTORY

So far as we have gone at present Greek art would seem to
have very much to do with ideas, and but little with facts of
history. Its message to us would seem to be concerned rather
with the vivification than with the verification of the facts of
Greek life. It rather displays to us the background against
which the Greek race acted out its drama, than the plot of the
drama itself. To correct what may perhaps be the excess of
this impression, we will devote the present chapter to a brief
consideration of the place taken in archaeology by coins.

The study of coins, numismatics, has sometimes been termed
the Grammar of Greek Art. By this it is meant that of all
classes of Greek remains coins are the most trustworthy, give
us the most precise information, introduce us to the greatest
variety of facts. As regards epigraphy, art, religion, commerce,
they are monuments of the first importance. Their date and
locality can be determined with greater precision than those of
any other classes of remains, except the remains of buildings
found in situ. Thus coins furnish, if not exactly a grammar,
at least a valuable epitome or index of Greek art. Work upon
them is perhaps the best possible introduction to archaeology.
The student who takes this road avoids areas of controversy;
he trains his eyes by the contemplation of works of unques-
tioned genuineness and beauty; he learns to think by periods
and by districts. It is only practical difficulties, arising from
the small size of coins and the great value of fine specimens,

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