Monnaie - Bronze, Incertain, Mésopotamie - btv1b8557924c (1 of 2)

Mesopotamia was an ancient region in the eastern Mediterranean, in what is now Iraq. The earliest known coins from Mesopotamia date back to the 6th century BC and were issued by the Lydian Kingdom in modern-day Turkey. However, there are no known coins minted specifically in Mesopotamia itself. Instead, the Mesopotamian region used a system of barter and trade, with goods such as grain, textiles and precious metals being used as currency. These goods were traded in markets and bazaars throughout the region. During the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC), the Seleucid Empire, which controlled much of Mesopotamia, issued coins that were used in the region. These coins featured Greek inscriptions and images of Greek gods and rulers. Later, during the Islamic period, various Islamic dynasties issued coins that were used in Mesopotamia. These coins had Arabic inscriptions and Islamic symbols and designs. Today, ancient Mesopotamian coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors and historians. They provide valuable insights into the economic and cultural history of this important region.