Top 5 Oldest Coins In The World

We have been using various forms of payment since ancient times from the barter system to using currencies like coins and gold. When we talk about the use of coins, there have been numerous types of coins in existence until today.

With most of them having such a high value compared to gold, these coins are highly prized for their unique designs and rarity. Coins have been used to perform trades with merchants and are still being used as of now.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 5 oldest coins in the world that are definitely one of a kind.

5. Aegina Sea Turtle (550 BC)

During ancient times, the Aeginas engaged in considerable trade with Lydia and Ionia. When the first coin appeared, people understood that it could be used as a universal currency not only to facilitate trade but also to preserve their wealth.

Aegina issued coins for the first time for the Greek city around 550 BC. These Aegina Sea Turtle coins were the first to be used as a medium of exchange for international trade and their unique turtle design made it easily identifiable.

This coin quickly grew in popularity across the globe at the time.

4. Karshapana (600 BC)

Despite many historians disagreeing over the exact time of the existence of this Indian coin, it was generally accepted that it made its first appearance around 600 BC. It was believed to have been produced by the Mahajanapadas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

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Some of the coins which were marked were known as Puranas, Pana, and Karshapana. Unlike the coins we have today, this one had an irregular shape and are made from metal bars with various designs stamped onto them.

On top of that, there were also symbols on these coins with some of them having multiple symbols on the coin.

3. Ying Yuan (600 BC)

The Ancient Chinese were known to have a unique line of history and the creation of their first coin was among them. The Ying Yang coin was thought to have been produced around the same time as the Aegina coin and it is thought to have evolved independently from its counterparts.

During the Warring States era, the State of Chu produced its first-ever gold coin. The earliest one is the Ying Yuan which was created perhaps around 600 BC. They were uniquely crafted from rough squares of gold with the word yuan inscribed on them.

The word yuan that we hear today means the monetary unit of such money.

2. Ionian Hemiobols (600 BC)

The city of Cyme can be found on the central coast of Turkey which used to be called ancient Ionia and happens to be close to Lydia which is the birthplace of this old coin. The bond between both cities was strong.

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The first coin of this city was called Hemiobols which was created using some silver and imprinted with a horse's head. This coin was thought to be the second-oldest coin in the world which was used in business activities in the midst of 600 BC.

The Ionian Hemiobols were the first coins to be used by the Ionian Greeks. They were also the ones to have introduced the concept of market economies worldwide.

1. Lydian Lion (610 BC)

It was believed that the Lydian Lion is the oldest coin in the world that has been used. This was the earliest coin ever produced by the ancient city of Lydia, known to have made the Ionian Hemiobols.

Most have debated on the exact date the Lydian Lion was created but some estimates place them around 610 BC. Many people have quoted the writings from the Greek historian, Herodotus to support the assertion that the Lydians originated currency.

They claimed that the Lydians were among the earliest civilization to utilize silver and gold currencies as well as the first to establish retail businesses.

Source:

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Also read: Top 5 Most Expensive Coin In The World