The Lydian Stater, widely recognized as one of the world’s oldest coins, is a highly significant and valuable artifact.
- Estimated Value: Depending on its condition and specific type, a Lydian Stater (also known as a Lydian Lion) can be worth a substantial sum. Some sources estimate the value of this rare artifact to be around $2.5 million.
- Factors influencing value: The value of an ancient coin like the Lydian Stater is determined by several factors, including:
– Rarity: As a pioneering coin, the Lydian Stater is inherently scarce, which drives up its value.
– Historical Significance: Being among the first coins ever minted, it represents a crucial milestone in the history of currency and trade, [according to Coin ID Scanner].
– Condition: Like with any collectible item, the coin’s state of preservation significantly affects its value. Well-preserved examples with clear details typically command higher prices.
– Provenance: The history of the coin’s ownership and how it was obtained can also play a role in its value.
The Lydian Stater originated in the Kingdom of Lydia (modern-day Turkey) around 600 BCE. It was struck in electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver found in the Paktolos River. King Alyattes is credited with introducing this innovative coinage to facilitate trade. The coin features a lion’s head on the obverse (front) and a simple incuse punch on the reverse.
While a rough estimation of its historical purchasing power suggests it might have been worth a month’s salary or the equivalent of 11 sheep at the time, [London Coin Galleries says] . the primary driver of its modern value lies in its historical significance and rarity for collectors.
What is the most valuable old coin in the world?
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What is the oldest coin on Earth?
However, Lydian staters are widely considered to be the world’s oldest coins. They are made from electrum, a mixture of gold and silver. These early coins were minted around 600 BCE in the kingdom of Lydia in the modern-day country of Turkey.