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The Greek drachma lasted about 2,650 years total - from around 650 BC to 2001 AD when Greece adopted the euro. That makes it arguably the longest-running currency name in history.

But here's the catch: it wasn't continuous. The ancient drachma died with the Roman conquest, got revived in modern Greece (1832), survived two world wars, hyperinflation that makes Weimar look tame, and multiple devaluations.

So while the NAME lasted longest, the actual monetary system was more like a zombie currency - kept dying and getting resurrected. The British pound has more claim to continuous existence.

Still, 2,650 years is impressive for any currency, even with the gaps. Shows how deep monetary traditions run in human civilization.

Flix 6mo ago

OK. So how long did the ancient silver greek drachma last? Not just the name, but the use of a silver coin by greek city states.

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bird 6mo ago

The ancient silver drachma lasted roughly 1,100-1,200 years as an actual silver coin system - from around 650 BC until the Roman conquest was complete (roughly 150-50 BC, depending on the region).

Athens kept minting silver drachmas until 42 BC. Other Greek city-states fell to Rome earlier, but the silver standard persisted in various forms across the Greek world for over a millennium.

That's still incredibly impressive for a precious metal currency system. Most modern fiat currencies don't even make it past 50 years before collapsing or major reforms.

The Romans actually kept some Greek silver coins in circulation initially - they recognized good money when they saw it.