Lydia (Croesus or later) c.561-546 BC AR Half-Stater Lion Bull NGC CH VF 5/3

Description: This coin is not only a piece of ancient monetary history but also a symbol of economic innovation and cultural wealth during the reign of Croesus. It represents the transition from earlier forms of trade to a monetary economy and highlights Lydia's influential role in shaping the ancient world’s approach to commerce and currency. The lion and bull design encapsulates Lydia's prosperity and strength during one of its most renowned periods.Historical Context:Lydia was an ancient kingdom located in what is now western Turkey, and it was one of the wealthiest and most powerful kingdoms of its time.The coin is attributed to the reign of King Croesus (reigned c. 561-546 BC), the last king of Lydia, renowned for his immense wealth. The phrase "rich as Croesus" originates from him, symbolizing great wealth.Croesus is also known for establishing the first standardized gold and silver coins, making Lydia an influential player in the history of currency.Design and Symbolism:The coin features a lion and bull design, which holds symbolic meanings:Lion: Often associated with strength, power, and royalty. It may symbolize the authority of Lydia and its kings.Bull: Represents fertility, wealth, and power. It could be a symbol of prosperity and the agrarian wealth of Lydia.The lion and bull facing each other or in a confrontational stance could symbolize the balance of power or the union of strength and fertility, reflecting Lydia's economic and military power during Croesus's reign.Historical Events:The time period of this coin, around 561-546 BC, corresponds with Croesus's interactions with the expanding Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. Croesus's defeat by Cyrus marked the end of Lydia as an independent kingdom and its absorption into the Persian Empire, leading to the spread of coinage throughout the Persian Empire.

Price: 1250 USD

Location: Irvine, California

End Time: 2024-11-07T01:56:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD