Many have heard the saying "as rich as Croesus" or the story of his downfall and loss of his family. The legend of the massive wealth of King Croesus has been handed down generation to generation since he died some 2700+ years ago. Croesus was born to King Alyattes of Lydia and an unknown mother sometime in the 6th century BC. He is said to have ruled from c. 585-546 BC. Electrum coinage was circulating in Asia Minor and was the first international currency. Croesus took it a step further by introducing the first bi-metallic coinage, one of gold and silver. This newly introduced metal types for coinage continued until the Persian Daric replaced it. Historically, Croesus has gained more mainstream familiarity because of his famed conversation with Solon, the Greek sage. Upon asking Solon if he was the happiest man in the world, he responded by naming three other men that were happier than Croesus. Solon went further to say that due to the ficklness of fortune it is impossible to judge a man's happiness until after his death. True to the Sage's words, Croesus experienced a loss of wealth, as well as family, showing the volatility of the happiness equals wealth equation.