8 oldest coins in the world (2024)

Discover the world's oldest coins, dating back to the 7th century BCE. These ancient currencies showcase unique symbols representing cultural, religious, and economic significance, offering insight into early trade and commerce.

Image: Leicestershire County Council

The Lydian Lion, hailing from the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, is believed to be the world’s first coin. Dating back to the 7th century BCE, these coins were made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver. The design features a lion’s head, symbolizing royal authority. These coins mark the beginning of the use of stamped currency to facilitate trade, setting a precedent for future civilizations.

Image: Trustees of the British Empire

Aegina, a Greek island, was among the first to mint its own currency around 550 BCE. The Aegina Sea Turtle coins were made of silver and bore the image of a sea turtle, a creature sacred to Aphrodite. These coins reflect the maritime power of Aegina and its thriving economy based on sea trade.

Image: Classic Numismatics Group

Coins from Sicyon, an ancient Greek city, featured a dove, often associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Minted around the 6th century BCE, these silver coins exemplified the city’s artistic heritage and religious devotion. The dove symbol also indicates the peaceful nature of Sicyon’s trade and commerce.

Image: Coin archives

Corinth, another influential city-state in ancient Greece, issued coins with the image of Pegasus, the mythical winged horse, around the 6th century BCE. The Pegasus coins, made of silver, signify Corinth’s ambition and the city’s association with the heroic tales of Greek mythology.

Image: Trustees of the British Empire

The Karshapana coins are a significant part of ancient Indian numismatics. Originating in the 6th century BCE, these coins were primarily silver and featured a variety of symbols, often including a sun motif. The Karshapana was not just a unit of currency but also a unit of weight, reflecting the economic practices of the time. The use of Karshapana coins was widespread during the Mauryan period, and they played a pivotal role in the development of trade and commerce in ancient India.

Image: Classic Numismatics Group

Miletus, an ancient city of Ionia, issued coins with a lion’s head, reflecting its cultural and economic ties with Lydia. These coins, dating back to the 6th century BCE, were made of silver and demonstrated the spread of Lydian influence throughout the region.

Image: NGC Collectors Society

Ephesus, a prominent city in ancient Anatolia, minted coins adorned with a bee, sacred to Artemis, the city’s patron goddess. The Ephesian Bee coins, produced in the 6th century BCE, are a testament to the city’s religious significance and its bustling economy.

Image: Pinterest

The Persian Empire introduced the Daric, a gold coin, during the reign of Darius I around 520-480 BCE. The Daric became the monetary standard across the vast empire, known for its high purity and consistent weight. These coins facilitated trade and economic integration within the Persian territories.

Image: Spurlock museum