Lydia. Croesus. Sardes. 560-546 BC. AV Stater (8.01g). Light standard. SNG von Aulock 2875; Tradart 6.111 (this coin). Very rare. Lightly toned. Of great numismatic interest. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 1997 (81) lot 358

Croesus, the famous last and wealthiest king of Lydia, was responsible for a remarkable monetary innovation, one that was a profound impact on the diffusion of coinage throughout the ancient world. Herodotos reported this event in these words: "so far as we have any knowledge, the Lydians were the first people to introduce the use of gold and silver coins, and the first who sold goods by retail" (1.94)