T he gold content of naturally occurring electrum in modern Western Anatolia ranges from 70% to 90%, in contrast to the 45–55% of gold in electrum used in the ancient Lydian coinage of the same geographical area. The name of King Croesus of Lydia remains associated with the invention. Gold objects and metal ore were used in commerce in the Ancient Near East since the Bronze Age, but gold coins originated later, during the 6th century BC, in Anatolia. The ancient Greeks called it ‘gold’ or ‘white gold’ instead of ‘refined gold.’ Its color ranges from pale to bright yellow, depending on the proportions of gold and silver.Īncient Lydia was famous for its god that was found in the sands of the River Pactolus. They were made of Electrum, which is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. This Electrum Gold Coin from Lydia, dated to 650 BC, represents the first coins from the ancient kingdom of Lydia (today in modern Turkey). Ancient Gold Coins and Gold Bars Electrum Gold Coin from Lydia, 650 BC
