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The Oldest Egyptian Coin

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The Oldest Egyptian Coin is more than just a piece of ancient metal – it is a fascinating window into the history of trade, culture, and power in Ancient Egypt. Dating back thousands of years, this rare currency reveals how the Egyptians moved from simple barter systems to the use of coins in daily life.

The journey of Egyptian currencies began in ancient times, starting from the Pharaonic era. The process of minting Egyptian currency is part of its civilizational progress, as they previously dealt with a barter system.

With the spread of gold and silver, metal coins were created, which developed significantly with the evolution of ages. In this article, we will learn about The Oldest Egyptian Coin and the most important facts about ancient Egyptian currencies.

The Oldest Egyptian Coin in Egypt is the Nub Nefer coin. It is a coin made of pure gold and is one of the rarest coins in the world. It was issued by King Takhos, who took some Greek soldiers to join him in a war against the Persians, who had occupied Egypt. Therefore, the Egyptian government struck coins to pay the soldiers’ wages.

The History of Coin Minting in Ancient Egypt

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The-Oldest-Egyptian-Coin-Close-Up-Trade-EgyptaTours

Currencies were not known in ancient Egypt, and the Egyptians relied on the barter system. However, gold coins were minted, which were called Nub Nefer. They were minted before Christ in the year 350 BC in the name of the pharaoh Teos, who is also called Takhos. They were named this because “Nub Nefer” means pure gold, and they were distinguished by containing many unique Pharaonic writings.

The Design of Currencies in Ancient Egypt

The Egyptian currency in the Pharaonic era was designed in the form of a gold coin with many Pharaonic inscriptions and writings on it. The use of the gold coin was limited to the rich only and was not circulated among the people. The Nub Nefer coin is one of the most expensive and famous ancient Egyptian currencies.

Types of Currencies in Ancient Egypt

Rare-The-Oldest-Egyptian-Coin-Ancient-Egypt-EgyptaTours

Rare-The-Oldest-Egyptian-Coin-Ancient-Egypt-EgyptaTours

The types of currencies in ancient Egypt are divided as follows:

  • The coin of the god Khepri: It is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian currencies. The god Khepri was represented in the form of a scarab beetle, as they imagined that this beetle rolled to the sky and lifted the sun across it.
  • The ram coin: It is one of the Pharaonic coins that were minted, bearing the shape of a ram. It represents the god Amun, who is a god with a ram’s head.
  • Cleopatra’s coin: Coins were minted bearing the image of Queen Cleopatra, and the other side bore the image of an eagle.

Where can the oldest Egyptian currencies be seen?

The Oldest Egyptian Coin can be seen by going to the famous Egyptian museums.

Facts about Ancient Egyptian Currencies

There are some facts about ancient Egyptian currencies. These facts are:

  • The Pharaohs valued metals such as gold and silver well, so they used them in minting coins and in making their jewelry.
  • The Pharaohs measured goods by the weight of the metal coins.
  • The Pharaohs placed a seal on the metal coin to know the value of each coin.

FAQs

What was the name of the ancient Egyptian currency?

The Oldest Egyptian Coin was called the Nub Nefer and was minted in 350 BC.

How old is the 1-piastre coin?

The 1-piastre coin was issued in Egypt in the year 1834 AD.

Why was Egypt so rich?

Egypt was one of the richest countries in the past because it possessed many important mineral resources such as copper, gold, iron, and phosphates, in addition to its development in the industrial, agricultural, and commercial fields, which increased local production and led to the development of the Egyptian economy.

The Nub Nefer coin is the oldest ancient Egyptian currency. It is made of pure gold and was minted in the name of King Teos, who is called the pharaoh Takhos, and it included many Pharaonic writings.

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EgyptaTours Team

EgyptaTours Team committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences that illuminate the grandeur and depth of Egypt’s ancient heritage, spanning over 5,000 years. Our mission is to connect travelers with the historical, cultural, and natural treasures of Egypt - from the monumental pyramids and timeless temples to the hidden wonders along the Nile and beyond. We take pride in crafting enriching journeys that go beyond sightseeing, offering profound insight into Egypt’s mythological legacy, vibrant traditions, and archaeological marvels. Our team is composed of highly qualified professionals, including Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travel experts, digital strategists, and seasoned explorers - each with 5 to 20 years of experience in their respective fields. Their collective expertise ensures that every itinerary is meticulously curated and every client receives unparalleled guidance, support, and knowledge. At EgyptaTours, we don’t just offer tours - we create transformative experiences that leave a lasting impression.

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