The oldest coins in the world were created approximately 2,700 years ago.
Specifically, the Lydian Lion , minted in the Kingdom of Lydia (present-day Turkey) around 610-600 BCE, is widely considered the oldest coin. It was made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver.
Other ancient coinages include:
- Ionian Hemiobols: Minted in the City of Cyme (also in modern Turkey) around 600-550 BCE.
- Ying Yuan: The oldest gold coins from ancient China, dating to around 600 or 500 BCE.
- Karshapana: Early punch-marked coins from India, possibly as early as 575 BCE.
- Aegina Sea Turtle: Minted on the Greek island of Aegina around 550 BCE.
- Persian Daric: Introduced around 522 BCE by Darius I in the Persian Empire.
How old is the oldest US coin?
The Mint delivered the nation’s first circulating coins on March 1, 1793 : 11,178 copper cents.
What is the rarest 1 coin?
Great question! 2011 Edinburgh £1. Topping the list as the rarest £1 coin in circulation, the 2011 Edinburgh £1 was part of a series celebrating the UK’s capital cities.