Here's another example of the Lydian electrum trite from the late 7th or early 6th century BC. Mine is a little more worn than the typical example, but I got it for the fine archaic style. @SmEagle1795 's example is the cool variety that has one of the first inscriptions used on a coin.
Photo by CNG
"Render therfore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22: 21
@SmEagle1795 said:
While remaining a topic of debate by some, this type (a Lydian trite) is commonly considered to be the first official coin, meeting all of the requirements laid out in the accepted definition: it is the first coin to have certified markings which signify a specific exchange value and be issued by a governmental authority for use as money. Earlier coins like the striated and geometric types failed to clearly meet the final criteria, whereas the lion was consistently associated with Lydia.
Kings of Lydia. Alyattes, circa 620/610-560 - Third of siglos or Trite, Sardes before 561, EL 4.69 g. Head of lion l. with open jaws; in l. field, falfel in archaic characters. Rev. Bipartite rectangular incuse punch. Artemision, White Gold, 77. SNG von Aulock –. SNG Kayhan –
Amazing coin! I never get tired of looking at it!
What are the contenders for the very first coin? Are they also from Lydia or are they from other places?
Thanks! And yes, the earliest coinage all originated from Ionia and Lydia, minted in electrum prior to the move to gold and silver.
Learn about our world's shared history told through the first millennium of coinage: Colosseo Collection
@SmEagle1795 said:
While remaining a topic of debate by some, this type (a Lydian trite) is commonly considered to be the first official coin, meeting all of the requirements laid out in the accepted definition: it is the first coin to have certified markings which signify a specific exchange value and be issued by a governmental authority for use as money. Earlier coins like the striated and geometric types failed to clearly meet the final criteria, whereas the lion was consistently associated with Lydia.
Kings of Lydia. Alyattes, circa 620/610-560 - Third of siglos or Trite, Sardes before 561, EL 4.69 g. Head of lion l. with open jaws; in l. field, falfel in archaic characters. Rev. Bipartite rectangular incuse punch. Artemision, White Gold, 77. SNG von Aulock –. SNG Kayhan –
Amazing coin! I never get tired of looking at it!
What are the contenders for the very first coin? Are they also from Lydia or are they from other places?
Thanks! And yes, the earliest coinage all originated from Ionia and Lydia, minted in electrum prior to the move to gold and silver.
It's pretty cool that the earliest coinage was from what is present day Turkey. I’ve visited Ephesus, considered to be the most important city in Ionia. It's nice to imagine these coins being used there.
I have a few Greek that are older, but these Rheinland (now central Germany) Celtic quinars are my favourite.
These quinarii were struck between 100 BC and 40 BC by the Germanic/Celtic tribes which fought Julius Caesar when he crossed the Rhine River after his conquest of Gallia (now France).
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177? Machin's mills half penny found with a metal detector and a 1782 "Mexican" 1 Real dug from a garden.
Here's another example of the Lydian electrum trite from the late 7th or early 6th century BC. Mine is a little more worn than the typical example, but I got it for the fine archaic style. @SmEagle1795 's example is the cool variety that has one of the first inscriptions used on a coin.
Photo by CNG
I would rather join with an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by sheep.
Thanks! And yes, the earliest coinage all originated from Ionia and Lydia, minted in electrum prior to the move to gold and silver.
It's pretty cool that the earliest coinage was from what is present day Turkey. I’ve visited Ephesus, considered to be the most important city in Ionia. It's nice to imagine these coins being used there.
Oldest world coins:
1738 1 Groschen from the German state of Reuss-Obergreiz and 1764 Prussian 1/6 Thaler
Oldest Ancient that I cared enough to identify: URBS ROMA Romulus and Remus Commem from Constantine the Great circa 330AD
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
1642 A Half Ecu- not the oldest... but is a picture to share
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
…and a very close 2nd…
This could be the newest oldest coin:
330 B.C.
Alexander the Great
The entertainment can never be overdressed....except in burlesque
I have a few Greek that are older, but these Rheinland (now central Germany) Celtic quinars are my favourite.
These quinarii were struck between 100 BC and 40 BC by the Germanic/Celtic tribes which fought Julius Caesar when he crossed the Rhine River after his conquest of Gallia (now France).
The oldest and lowest graded in my collection.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
XF40 O-106 R-3
PCGS Link
The first three chronologically in my self-styled "colonial type set"
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Currently, my oldest copper coin:
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And my oldest coin, overall:
My YouTube Channel
God Bless, CRHer700
Do unto others what you expect to be done to you.
Seems like it was a long time ago.
As for US coins: I have a 1794 cent, but can find no pics. There are these though, a year later
Those staples scare me...
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1639 possibly from some German state.