The Genesis of Coinage: The Silver Stater of King Croesus of Lydia

Presenting one of the most significant numismatic treasures in human history—the Silver Stater issued under King Croesus of the Lydian Kingdom. Renowned as the world’s first standardized bimetallic currency, this "Lion and Bull" type is a cornerstone of ancient art and economics. This extraordinary specimen boasts an AU★ (About Uncirculated Star) designation with a perfect 5/5 Strike rating, making it a monumental rarity for the elite collector.

■ Design

• Obverse: Confronted foreparts of a Lion and a Bull. The Lion symbolizes power and royal authority, while the Bull represents fertility and prosperity.

• Reverse: Two incuse punches of different sizes. These deep strikes were a sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measure of the era, used to secure the silver flan during the minting process and verify the metal's purity.

■ Condition

AU★ (About Uncirculated Star) | Strike: 5/5 (Perfect) | Surface: 4/5 The "Star" (★) designation is a prestigious mark awarded by NGC to coins that possess exceptional eye appeal and beauty beyond their numerical grade.

■ Coin Details

• Date of Issue: c. 561–546 BC

• Issuing Authority: Kingdom of Lydia (Under King Croesus)

• Denomination: Stater (Heavy Standard)

• Material: Silver

• Weight: 10.53g

• Diameter: Approx. 20mm

• Certification: NGC Ancients AU★ (Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5)

■ Key Highlights

1. A Miraculous Survivor of 2,500 Years Following the fall of Sardis to Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Persian Empire in 546 BC, vast quantities of Lydian coinage were recalled and melted down. To find a specimen that survived this historical upheaval—and remained in About Uncirculated condition for over 25 centuries—is nothing short of a miracle.

2. Top-Tier Census Ranking: The "Star" of the Collection

• Ch AU: 2 coins

• AU★ (This Specimen): 4 coins

• AU: 13 coins With only two coins graded higher in the entire NGC census, this is a top-population rarity. The perfect 5/5 Strike ensures that the iconic lion and bull are rendered with maximum power, while the Star (★) mark identifies this as one of the most aesthetically beautiful examples of its kind in existence.

3. Market Significance: The "Blue Chip" of Ancient Numismatics King Croesus is legendary for his immense wealth, and his coins are the physical embodiment of that legacy. As the first ruler to establish a reliable currency system, Croesus laid the foundation for global trade. This coin is featured in museums and art history textbooks worldwide. Because of its status as the "Origin of Money," demand for high-grade Croesus staters is relentless, consistently outstripping the vanishingly thin market supply.

Conclusion

This AU★ Silver Stater is a flawless fusion of history, art, and rarity. It is not merely a collectible; it is a "Witness to the Birth of Civilization" that you can hold in your hand. For the discerning investor or passionate historian, this coin represents an unassailable asset of permanent value.

Secure this "Heirloom-Grade" masterpiece—the pinnacle of ancient silver artistry and a testament to the legendary wealth of King Croesus.