Ancient Coins - offer rare insights into history
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Coins as we know them have existed for around 3,000 years. Ancient mints were smaller and less efficient than their contemporary counterparts, making ancient coins much rarer than modern ones. Because of the extraordinary history entrenched in ancient coins they remain extremely popular worldwide. History, languages and literature are all intermingled with the coins struck in these ancient lands.
Ancient coins of Lydia first true coins
Ancient Roman and Greek coins are famous among collectors but it was the ancient state of Lydia, now western Turkey, credited with the establishment of the first official coinage around 630 B.C. Because these coins were struck of metal with a predetermined weight and purity – and under the authority of a state ruler - they are considered the world’s first true coins. Round coins are also thought to have been made and used by the Chinese around this time.
By the 5th Century B.C. coins were being produced throughout ancient Mediterranean states and northern Africa. These were being produced in a variety of metals – gold, silver, and bronze; but also brass, lead and nickel. Gold coins from this period tend to sell at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Silver coins from this period are generally well preserved, while the more commonly used bronze coins show the wear and tear from years in circulation.
Croesus, King of Lydia, was captured by Persians in the mid-5th Century B.C., and took coin usage with him to Persia. Always influential was King Philip II of Macedonia, whose stater coins circulated through the Celtic tribes of France, the UK and Ireland in the 3rd Century B.C.
Ancient coins from different lands all provide a different sort of appeal for collectors. Those minted under the rule of Rome showed engravings of never seen before leaders and ancient buildings. Ancient Greek coins are renowned for influencing the history of art. Collectors interested in the Middle East can examine coins from Persia and Mesopotamia.
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