Although modern society is moving away from using physical currency, coinage has been used by people for thousands of years.
The first coins were developed around the 7th century in Iron Age Anatolia (specifically Lydia), China, India, and Ancient Greece.
Several examples of these early coins have survived and belong to private collectors or various museums around the world.
7. Hallaton Silver Coin
Year Created: c.211 BCE
Country of Origin: Rome, Italy (found in Hallaton, England)
Metal(s) Used: Silver
6. Persian Daric
Year Created: c.520 – 480 BCE
Country of Origin: Achaemenid Persian Empire, Western Asia
Metal(s) Used: Gold
5. Aegina Sea Turtle
Year Created: c.550 BCE
Country of Origin: Island of Aegina, Greece
Metal(s) Used: Silver
4. Karshapana
Year Created: c.600 BCE
Country of Origin: India
Metal(s) Used: Silver
3. Ying Yuan
Year Created: c.600 – 500 BCE
Country of Origin: China
Metal(s) Used: Gold
2. Ionian HemiobolsYear Created: c. 600 – 550 BCECountry of Origin: City of Cyme in ancient Ionia (modern-day central coast of TurkeyMetal(s) Used: Silver
1. Lydian LionYear Created: c.610 – 600 BCECountry of Origin: The Kingdom of Lydia (modern-day western Turkey)Metal(s) Used: Electrum – alloy of gold and silver