Hekte

Kyzikos dominated the electrum coinage market across the Aegean and Black Sea regions for roughly two centuries, and the city's hektai — struck in a naturally occurring gold-silver alloy sourced from the Pactolus river region — functioned as the primary mercenary payment currency throughout the eastern Greek world. Athenian naval records and fourth-century inscriptions confirm Kyzikenoi were accepted at a fixed premium over Attic silver, a remarkable monetary arrangement that outlasted multiple political upheavals.

The tuna on the reverse is the city's persistent civic badge, appearing on virtually every Kyzikene issue regardless of obverse type.