<P> The first known coins were issued in either Lydia or Ionia in Asia Minor at some time before 600 BC , either by the non-Greek Lydians for their own use or perhaps because Greek mercenaries wanted to be paid in precious metal at the conclusion of their time of service , and wanted to have their payments marked in a way that would authenticate them . These coins were made of electrum , an alloy of gold and silver that was highly prized and abundant in that area . By the middle of the 6th century BC , technology had advanced , making the production of pure gold and silver coins simpler . Accordingly , King Croesus introduced a double metal standard that allowed for coins of pure gold and pure silver to be struck and traded in the marketplace . </P>
<P> The first known coins were issued in either Lydia or Ionia in Asia Minor at some time before 600 BC , either by the non-Greek Lydians for their own use or perhaps because Greek mercenaries wanted to be paid in precious metal at the conclusion of their time of service , and wanted to have their payments marked in a way that would authenticate them . These coins were made of electrum , an alloy of gold and silver that was highly prized and abundant in that area . By the middle of the 6th century BC , technology had advanced , making the production of pure gold and silver coins simpler . Accordingly , King Croesus introduced a double metal standard that allowed for coins of pure gold and pure silver to be struck and traded in the marketplace . </P>
in 7th century bce which city made the first ever coin
in 7th century bce which city made the first ever coin
non-Greek Lydians
non-Greek Lydians