Who made the first coins?

The very first coins ever made came from Ionia and Lydia regions of Asia Minor known today as Turkey. Referred to as “white gold” by the Greeks the worlds earlies coins were created from an alloy known as electrum that was found naturally in riverbeds in nugget form and contained a mixture of gold and silver.

These coins were very crude in size, shape, and design. At first designs used simple striations on their main side, or obverse, that emulated the motion of water in the streams where the electrum was found. The reverse of each coin began using a Quadrapartite “incuse” square punch. Soon the coins developed with representations of wild and domestic animals like the lion and the bull followed by other animals like deer, fish, and even wild boar.

Today people all around the world collect ancient coins for their rarity and artistic value. Austin Rare Coins, a premier ancient coin dealer in the United States, has ancient electrum coins that have been certified and authenticated by NGC Ancients ---the most reputable company for grading ancient coins.

You can find out more about the history of ancient coins by requesting our 8-page ancient coin report. It not only contains knowledge to help give you a better understanding and solid foundation to better collect and trade ancient coins, but also first-hand pictures with helpful descriptions. 

Please feel free to talk to one of our ancient coin advisors… They are there to help assist you in finding the exact coin you’re looking for!

Just Call - 1-800-928-6468

[mvalles]

Ty for this info !! Used it for homeschool and will share!!