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Hekte
| Issuer | Uncertain Ionian city |
|---|---|
| Year | 600 BC - 550 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Incuse square punch divided into multiple compartments by raised linear ridges, creating a distinctive mill-sail or quadripartite pattern within a recessed rectangular depression. The punch marks are deeply impressed and asymmetrically arranged, consistent with the earliest Greek coinage technique in which the reverse die was a simple hand-held punch. The irregular surface of the flan shows characteristic flow lines from the striking process. No legend or secondary device is present. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain (irregular) |
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| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Among the earliest coinages anywhere, these Ionian electrum fractions predate any standardized state authority — their issuers remain contested, with scholars variously attributing comparable pieces to Miletus, Ephesus, or simply to merchant consortia operating without civic backing. The natural electrum alloy varies considerably from piece to piece, reflecting river-sourced metal from the Pactolus and Hermus rather than any controlled refining process.