The First Silver Coins ever Struck

This is the first silver coins ever struck! It dates back over 2,500 years to modern-day Turkey. King Croesus of Lydia was the first person to issue a bi-metallic coinage system. In addition, it was meant for circulation throughout the kingdom. Coinage of King Croesus all used the same design. They are struck in both gold and silver. Consequently, the design showed a lion and a bull facing one another. The bull implies fertility and the lion implies strength.

The Silver staters are the largest denomination of silver coins from Croesus. There is also a half stater, quarter stater, sixth stater, twelfth stater and a tiny 1/24^th stater! We have even sold 2 examples of the tiny 1/48^th stater and it is smaller than a pencil eraser!

Gold coins were issued in five sizes—full stater, third stater, sixth, twelfth and 1/24^th.  All sizes employ the lion and bull design and each one has punches on the back.

Croesus Silver 1/3 Stater Extremely Fine

This particular Croesus Silver 1/3 Stater Extremely Fine is very noteworthy. It was struck on a perfectly circular flan and has incredible centering. Above all, it has remarkable detail. It is definitely one of the first silver coins ever struck. You can see the double incuse punch on the back of the coin. This occurred when the coin was struck by hand. Incredible, that this one was struck so long ago! This meticulous method to manufacture each coin give every one a unique look. It’s amazing to see the high quality of these coins made nearly 2,600 years ago.

Coinage of Croesus is ranked #9 out of the 100 Greatest ancient coins. Most importantly, the ranking are in the book "The 100 Greatest Ancient Coins." You'll find a copy on our website that you can purchase. In addition, you can also find this coin. Furthermore, you can also find other historical hand manufactured coins at Austin Rare Coins. We carry some of the very first coins made of electrum that even pre-date Croesus Silver!