Last Updated on August 13, 2021 by
A coin is a piece of metal of a given weight and alloy with the mark or stamp of those who issued it. The first coins were made in the seventh century B.C. by the Lydians. They were wealthy and powerful people living in Asia Minor. These primitive coins were made of “electrum”, which is a natural composition of 75 percent gold and 25 percent silver.
They were about the size and shape of a bean and “staters” or “standards”. The £lreeks saw these coins and appreciated the usefulness of standard metal money, so they began to make coil s too. About lt10 years later, many cities on the mainland of Greece and Asia Minor, on the islands of the Aegean Sea and Sicily, and in southern Italy had coinages of their own. Gold coins were the most valuable. Next came silver and finally copper.
Greek coinage lasted for about 500 years. The Romans adopted the idea and carried it on for about another 500 years. Then the art of coinage declined. From the year 500 to about 1400, coins were thin and unattractive. But in the fifteenth century, the art of coinage was revived. Metal became more plentiful. Skilled artists were employed to engrave the dies. The first British coins were struck before the arrival of the Romans.
By the Norman Conquest, there were 70 mints operating in this country, but, by 1850, the Royal Mint was a monopoly and an established part of the Civil Service.
What Is The Oldest Known Coin?
Lydian stater the oldest coin in the World.
Who created the first coins?
Answer- coins were first minted by the Lydians, while Aristotle claims that the first coins were minted by Demodike of Kyrme, the wife of King Midas of Phrygia.
What were the 1st coins made from?
Answer- either gold, silver, or copper, with engravings of words and inscriptions of liberty.
How old is the oldest coin?
Answer- 2,700 years old.
What is the oldest coin in the US?
Answer- half disme.
