Charles Theodore Seltman

Charles Theodore Seltman (1886–1957) was a British classical archaeologist and numismatist known for his studies on ancient Greek coinage and art. Educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, he later became a Fellow of Queens’ College, where he lectured on classical archaeology and published influential works on the intersection of numismatics, history, and culture.

Seltman’s seminal publication, Greek Coins: A History of Metallic Currency and Coinage down to the Fall of the Hellenistic Kingdoms (1933), remains a key text in the field. He explored the artistic and symbolic significance of Greek coinage, linking numismatic evidence to broader historical narratives. His work on Greek colonies and their coinage provided valuable insights into the cultural exchanges of the ancient Mediterranean.

Beyond numismatics, Seltman contributed to the study of classical art and archaeology, often emphasizing the connections between monetary systems and societal developments. His son Arthur J. Seltman is also a noted numismatist.