Pronunciation: [dˈɛkɐdɹˌat͡ʃəm] (IPA) 
The word "dekadrachm" is a Greek term that refers to a coin worth ten drachmas. It is a compound word made up of "deka," which means ten, and "drachm," the currency unit of ancient Greece. The correct spelling of "dekadrachm" is [dɛkədrækəm], with the stress on the second syllable. The "d" at the beginning is pronounced as a voiceless dental plosive, while the "ch" sound in "drachm" is a voiceless velar fricative.
A dekadrachm is a denomination of ancient Greek silver coin that originated in Syracuse, a powerful city-state in Sicily during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. The term "dekadrachm" is derived from the Greek words "deka," meaning ten, and "drachme," a unit of weight and currency in the ancient Greek world.
As the name suggests, a dekadrachm was valued at ten drachmae, making it one of the highest denominations of silver coins at the time. These coins were known for their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate designs, often featuring the head of a deity or a notable figure, such as a ruler or mythical hero, on the obverse side. The reverse side typically depicted mythical creatures or symbols associated with the issuing city.
Beyond their monetary value, dekadrachms also served as a means of propaganda, displaying the wealth, power, and artistic prowess of the city-state that minted them. Due to their beauty and rarity, dekadrachms have become highly sought after by collectors and numismatists, with some specimens commanding hefty prices at auctions.
Overall, the dekadrachm represents a fascinating artifact of ancient Greek history, reflecting both the economic importance of silver coinage and the artistic achievements of the period. These coins provide valuable insights into the economic, political, and cultural aspects of ancient Greece, while also serving as a testament to the lasting legacy of Greek coinage.
The word "dekadrachm" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "deka", meaning ten, and "drachmē", referring to a weight or unit of currency. In ancient Greece, the drachmē was a measure of weight and later became a standard coin denomination. The prefix "deka" indicates that the dekadrachm is a denomination of ten drachmae, making it a higher-value or larger-weight coin.
