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Hekte
| Issuer | Phokaia |
|---|---|
| Year | 478 BC - 387 BC |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A quadripartite incuse square divided into four rectangular compartments by raised ridges, creating a windmill or pinwheel pattern of alternating raised and sunken sections. The incuse punch is deeply struck and irregular in outline, consistent with early Greek hammered coinage technique. The surrounding field is smooth and slightly convex, with no inscription or additional devices present. This type of reverse is typical of archaic electrum issues from Phokaia, serving primarily as a die anchor during striking. |
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| Edge | Plain (irregular) |
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| Additional information |
Phokaia's electrum hektes circulated under a remarkable interstate arrangement: the city shared minting rights with Mytilene on Lesbos, alternating issues on an agreed schedule that was formally ratified in a treaty, fragments of which survive. This cooperation kept both cities' fractional electrum in regional commerce simultaneously without devaluing either — an unusual monetary diplomacy for the Aegean world. The arrangement collapsed when Phokaia was absorbed into the Persian-backed peace of Antalkidas in 387 BC, which effectively ended the city's autonomous coinage.