⁣⁢The figure of Croesus dates back to the 6th century BC, when he reigned over Lydia in Asia Minor. His story is primarily known through the accounts of Herodotus. Croesus appears there as a sovereign of exceptional wealth, which became legendary thanks to the gold from the Pactolus, trade, and the prosperity of his kingdom. He receives a visit from Solon, who reminds him that happiness can only be judged at the end of life.
Later, defeated by Cyrus the Great, he lost his kingdom and his power. According to legend, he was even
condemned to the stake. Over time, Croesus thus became the symbol of wealth, but also of the
fragility of fortune and power.⁤⁣

OBVERSE

⁣⁢The obverse of this coin features an original composition by Chief Engraver Joaquin Jiménez. In the foreground is the portrait of Croesus, depicted with a golden beard and a red laurel wreath,
symbols of his wealth and power. In the background appears Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who, according to
legend, condemned Croesus to be burned at the stake. On the side, the gold from Croesus' staters flows along the Pactolus River. This coin features selective fine gold gilding, echoing the myth.⁤⁣

REVERSE

⁣⁢On the reverse, a modernized adaptation of la semeuse by engraver Louis-Oscar Roty is featured, with a heraldic version of the French flag appearing on the drapery of her robe.
The mention "RF" is
also encircled by an interlacing of hexagons, reminiscent of France.⁤⁣