Birth of Money

The story of money begins in western Anatolia around 650–600 BC, where the first coins were struck from electrum — a natural alloy of gold and silver found in the River Pactolus. These tiny, bean-shaped lumps of precious metal, stamped with simple designs, revolutionized commerce.

Full Lydian electrum coins are museum-grade purchases, but Ionian electrum fractions — the world's very first coins — are surprisingly accessible: 1/96 staters cost $80–$200, and 1/48 staters run $100–$300. These are tiny (4–8mm) but authentic pieces from the dawn of coinage.

For early Greek silver, Aegina "turtle" fractions offer another affordable window into the birth of standardized currency, with obols at $75–$200.