Catalog
Hekte
| Issuer | Ephesos |
|---|---|
| Year | 625 BC - 600 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 | 9.5 mm |
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| Technique | 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 | Deep incuse square punch of rectangular form, divided internally into two unequal compartments by a raised ridge, creating a mill-sail or divided incuse pattern characteristic of early Lydian and Ionian electrum fractional coinage. The incuse is sharply impressed and rectilinear, with a raised border framing the entire square depression. The surface within the punch shows irregular striations from the hammering process. No legend or additional devices are present, consistent with the anonymous nature of this early archaic issue. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Among the earliest coins produced anywhere in the ancient world, Ephesian electrum fractions like this hekte predate any standardized monetary authority — they were likely issued by temples or wealthy merchant consortia operating in the Lydian commercial sphere before Lydia itself began systematic royal coinage. The natural electrum alloy drawn from the Pactolus River varied unpredictably in gold-to-silver ratio, meaning individual pieces from this period differ measurably in intrinsic value even within the same nominal denomination.