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Hekte
| Issuer | Kyzikos |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 450 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 | 9.0 mm |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| 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 | Quadripartite incuse square occupying the full reverse field, divided by raised ridges into four recessed compartments of roughly equal size, each with a granular or striated texture resulting from the punch strike. This deeply impressed incuse design is characteristic of early Greek electrum coinage, serving as the countermark of the anvil die. The square is well-centred on the irregular oval flan with no inscriptions or additional devices present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Kyzikos (Mysia) |
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| Additional information |
Kyzikos, the Propontine city that dominated electrum coinage for roughly two centuries, produced hektes in staggering variety — over 200 distinct types are recorded, each with a different obverse device while the tunny fish remained the city's consistent reverse marker. This piece dates to the height of that production, when Kyzikene electrum circulated across the Greek world as a trusted trade currency, particularly among mercenary paymasters operating in the eastern Aegean.
The specific H&L II#172 type sits within a corpus where natural electrum composition varied batch to batch, with gold content ranging roughly from 70% to over 90% depending on available alluvial sources.