The Lydian King Alyattes started to forge coins during this peace period. The first coins were made from electrum, an alloy of 55 % gold, 45 % silver and a small amount of bronze. Since the Stream of Gediz and the Stream of Pactolus running through Sardis were rich in gold content, the Lydians collected this gold and became a rich nation. These coins began to be used for trading and became widespread, bringing in trade via coins instead of animals. The coins of Lydia had various animal pictures on their front sides. There is a lion figure on the coins stamped in Sardis.