Kingdom of Lydia · 560–546 BC
Croeseid Silver Half Stater
From the legendary King Croesus — "as rich as Croesus" was no exaggeration
Unique piece
Croesus: The King Who Invented Pure Coinage
King Croesus of Lydia (c. 560–546 BC) reformed the monetary system by replacing electrum coins with separate gold and silver issues of guaranteed purity. This was revolutionary — for the first time, the value of a coin was known precisely by its metal content.
This Coin
This silver half stater — a "Croeseid" — shows the confronting foreparts of a lion and bull, the royal symbols of Lydia. The design is powerful and archaic: the lion's open mouth and the bull's forward lean create a sense of primal energy. The reverse bears a simple double incuse punch — characteristic of the earliest Greek coinage.
Numismatic Details
- Denomination
- Half Stater (Siglos)
- Ruler
- Croesus (c. 560–546 BC)
- Civilization
- Kingdom of Lydia
- Period
- 560–546 BC
- Mint
- Sardis
- Material
- Silver
- Weight
- 5.2g
- Diameter
- 15mm
- Condition
- VF (Very Fine)
Obverse
Confronting foreparts of lion (left) and bull (right)
Reverse
Double incuse punch
What You'll Receive
Premium Display Case
Your coin arrives in an elegant display case, ready to admire or gift.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin includes a signed certificate guaranteeing its authenticity.
Secure & Insured Shipping
Tracked and insured delivery to protect your piece of history.
