From Greece to Türkiye: Over 1,000 Lydian coins return home

In a groundbreaking act of cultural cooperation, Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins belonging to the Lydian civilization to Türkiye. These coins, dating from the fifth to the seventh century B.C., were ceremoniously handed over to Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy in Athens.

Symbol of cooperation: Ancient Lydian coins return home

During his visit to Athens, Minister Ersoy participated in the fifth Joint Tourism Commission Meeting between Türkiye and Greece. Following the meeting, he met with Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefaloyanni and delivered a joint press conference emphasizing the role of tourism in fostering cultural connections.

Ersoy highlighted the collaboration, stating, “Tourism is one of the most effective tools of soft power, enabling nations to understand and connect.” Kefaloyanni echoed his sentiments, describing tourism as a “bridge that brings people together.”

Landmark exchange at Athens Numismatic Museum

At the Athens Numismatic Museum, Minister Ersoy and Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni presided over the formal handover ceremony of the Lydian coins. These silver coins include examples minted by the ancient Anatolian civilization of Lydia—credited with producing the first coins in history—as well as coins from cities like Tarsus, Side, Aspendos, and Soli-Pompeiopolis.

Minister Ersoy expressed his gratitude, stating, “This group of silver coins, now returning to the land they belong to, is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between our nations. This cooperation marks a pivotal milestone in preserving the rich heritage of our countries.”

Strengthening cultural bonds against illicit trade

The coins were recovered following a search at Greece’s Kipi Border Gate, where they were confiscated from smugglers. Experts determined the coins originated in Anatolia, leading to Türkiye’s successful claim for their return under the UNESCO Convention and a bilateral agreement signed in 2013.

Minister Ersoy underscored the importance of joint action, saying, “When the threat is shared, overcoming it requires collective effort and unwavering cooperation. Türkiye and Greece have demonstrated this commitment today, setting an example for all transit and market countries.”

Ersoy calls for Elgin Marbles’ return to Greece

Minister Ersoy also used the occasion to reiterate Türkiye’s support for Greece’s efforts to repatriate the Elgin Marbles from the United Kingdom. “These magnificent artifacts should be returned to the Greek people, the rightful custodians of their heritage. I hope to see the day when we can visit the reunited Parthenon Marbles together in Greece,” he stated.

Greek Minister Mendoni acknowledged her country’s struggles against cultural heritage smuggling and celebrated the return of the Lydian coins as a moment of great joy. She also expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its support regarding the Elgin Marbles, emphasizing that collaboration between the two nations in combating artifact smuggling would continue.

Preserving shared history

The return of the Lydian coins marks the first instance of Greece repatriating cultural artifacts to Türkiye. This milestone underscores the shared commitment of both nations to safeguarding humanity’s ancient heritage.

Minister Ersoy concluded, “Our countries are the cradle of countless civilizations. By working together, we protect the collective memory of humanity and ensure that future generations can connect with their roots.”

The return of 1055 Lydian coins marks a milestone in Türkiye and Greece’s cultural cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to preserving shared heritage.

Why were coins important to the Lydians?

The Lydians are credited as the first civilization to mint and use gold and silver coins, as noted by Herodotus (1.94). Rightly famous for their coins, the Lydians not only pioneered the concept but also laid the foundation for modern monetary systems. In addition to Herodotus, early Greek writers like Xenophanes of Colophon also attributed the invention of coinage to the Lydians—a claim supported by archaeological evidence.

The earliest coins were made of gold and were referred to as “croeseids,” named after King Croesus, who introduced them to the Greek world. Many of these early coins, crafted from an alloy of gold and silver called electrum, bear inscriptions in the Lydian alphabet, confirming their origin.

The historical connection between Lydia, electrum, and the advent of coinage is unmistakable. Electrum, a naturally occurring gold-silver alloy found in the rivers of Lydia, such as the Pactolus River, was abundant in the region by the seventh century B.C. This natural wealth contributed to the legendary riches of the Lydian royal dynasty.

Electrum was initially used in its raw form—ingots, nuggets, or even as powder—for trade and transactions. However, its inconsistent gold-to-silver ratio made it unreliable as a standard medium of exchange. To resolve this, the Lydians refined electrum and minted coins, providing a stable and trustworthy currency that revolutionized trade and economic systems in their era.