chalkos

Chalkos is a term from ancient Greek (from χαλκός) that denotes copper as a metal, and by extension bronze, the copper–tin alloy. In classical writings the word is used to refer to the material itself and, in some contexts, to objects made of copper or bronze. In numismatic and archaeological contexts, chalkos also designates small denomination coins minted from copper or bronze, known as chalkoi.

Etymology and material use: Chalkos originally means copper and, more broadly, bronze. Bronze is an alloy of copper with tin (and sometimes lead), valued for hardness and durability. The term retained its association with metalworking and everyday metal goods, including coinage, throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.

Coinage and historical context: Chalkoi were common in many Greek city-states during the Archaic and Classical periods. These coins were typically produced in copper or bronze and circulated as low-value currency alongside silver types. The exact weights and values of chalkoi varied by polis and era, reflecting local monetary standards. Copper and bronze coinage played a crucial role in daily transactions, market exchange, and state economies, particularly for small purchases and local trade.

Legacy and usage in modern literature: The term chalkos remains in scholarly discussions of ancient Greek metallurgy and early coinage, illustrating the material basis of early currency and the transition from metal ingots to standardized coinage. In modern Greek, halkós (chalkos) continues to mean copper, preserving the linguistic link to its ancient usage.

See also: Ancient Greek coinage, Obol, Bronze (alloy), Metalworking in classical antiquity.

Note: Details such as specific weights or minting practices varied by city-state and period, reflecting the diverse and localized nature of chalkos coinage.