Do you know what is the oldest coin in the world? Some people say that Lydian Electrum 1/6 stater is the oldest 'western' and first coin but they're some argument whether the Electrum 1/6 stater is a coin or just a ceremonial objects issued by priests. The 1/6 stater discovered in Ancient Greek temple in Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and probably minted in Lydia some 2,700 years ago. The coin have originated ca. 600-550 BC in Anatolia (Turkey), in particular in the Anatolian kingdom of Lydia. Some numismatist don't consider this as a coin since they're not used in commerce and exchanges. Like other Electrum coins, the Electrum 1/6 stater were not standardized in weight.
The Greek historian Herodotus, writing in the fifth century BC, stated that "the Lydians were the first people we know to have struck and used coinage of silver and gold." He did not say that Lydian coin is the first coin in the world.
Lydian 1/6 stater:
The Lydian Electrum 1/6 stater coins were hand struck. A die with a lion head design for the obverse of the coin. A blank piece of metal was placed on top of the die and a punch hammered onto the reverse. The result was a coin with an image on one side and a punch mark on the other.Source: British Museum.
The oldest lion head coins were discovered in that temple, and the fact that they were not used in commerce, strengthens the scenario that these coins found there may have actually been badges or medals that were issued by the priests of the temple of Artemis, and the name of the person who received the badge or medal was inscribed on it. Artemis in Anatolia was named Potnia Theron, which is translated as "mistress of the animals" and her symbol was the lion and the tiger. Source: Wikipedia.
Aegina Chelone coin
Another coin that can be put into consideration for the oldest coin is Aegina Chelone coins minted ca. 700-550 BC. Based on numismatist study, the first turtle coins of Aegina are considered minted ca. 550 BC. The coin produce either by the local Aegina people or by Pheidon, King of Argos (who first set the standards of weights and measures). In B.C. 456 Aegina was one of the greatest commercial states of Greece. This is also the world first silver coin ever minted.
On the obverse show sea-turtle with row of dots down back, and an additional dot on each side at front. The back of the coin show Incuse square divided by broad bands into a conventional pattern of five compartments.
Source: Wikipedia, Snible.org.
India and China also a possible place for a start of first coins in this world.
Which one of these coins that you think is the world oldest coin ever minted?
