What is the oldest coin in the world?

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Other topics: Coins
Short answer: The oldest coins in the world come from Ephesus, known as the Lydia Lion or the 1/6 stater, from approximately 610-560 BC.

The oldest known coins from the city of Ephesus, located in what today is known as Turkey. They are known as the Lydia Lion, or the 1/6 stater, and date from between 610-560 BC. They were worth more than a day's wages, and were minted by the Lydians.[1][2] Before coins, wealth was measured solely in land, cattle, and other goods.[3]

Lydian stater

Recently, the oldest known coin mint was uncovered in China, which began minting coins between 640-550 BC, but the oldest coins found are not as old as the Lydian pieces.

References[edit]

  1. "The oldest coin in the world". www.fleur-de-coin.com. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  2. admin (2010-09-16). "The Oldest Coin in the World". Monterey Company. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  3. Holt, Frank L. (2021). When Money Talks: A History of Coins and Numismatics. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. pp. 13–14. ISBN 9780197517659.