2016-08-31 Wed

Austin Rare Coin Company from Texas recently sold the oldest coin in the world to a private collector. The coin was almost struck 2,650 years ago in Ionia, or modern-day Turkey and only 12 such coins exist today. It is considered to be the first coin ever struck in human history and are known as Ionian "Striated" Stater.

It is made out of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver that was found in streams. The inscription on the coin represents flowing water. The company which acquired the coin graded About Uncirculated condition with a star for great eye appeal, is extremely excited to own this beauty.

These coins were struck in six basic sizes, from a Full Stater to 1/24th stater. All these coins are rare but the larger coins are even rarer. The company is believed to be one of three collectors in the world to create a set of 12 such coins.