561-546 BC Lydia King Croesus Gold Sixth Stater NGC Very Fine 5x4

This gold sixth stater was issued under King Croesus of Lydia between 561-546 BC, representing one of the earliest standardized gold coins in world history. Croesus revolutionized ancient commerce by introducing the world's first bimetallic coinage system, establishing reliable weight and purity standards that would influence monetary systems for centuries. The Lydian kingdom, located in modern-day western Turkey, controlled vital trade routes and abundant gold deposits from the Pactolus River.

The obverse displays the confronted foreparts of a lion and bull, powerful symbols representing strength and fertility in Lydian culture. This iconic design became the hallmark of Croesian coinage, struck with bold relief that demonstrates the advanced minting techniques of the period. The reverse features an incuse square punch typical of early electrum and gold issues, with visible striations that served as a primitive assay mark to verify the coin's precious metal content.

This example has been graded Very Fine by NGC Ancients with exceptional strike and surface ratings of 5 and 4 respectively. The coin displays attractive golden surfaces with clear device definition and even wear consistent with the grade. Croesian gold staters remain among the most historically significant issues in ancient numismatics, representing humanity's transition from barter to standardized monetary exchange. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.