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Hekte
| Issuer | Phokaia (Ionia) |
|---|---|
| Year | 387 BC - 326 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 formed by two intersecting raised bars dividing the square depression into four sunken compartments of roughly equal size, as visible on the coin image. This standard mill-sail or windmill incuse pattern is the characteristic reverse type employed on Phocaean electrum hektai throughout the classical period, serving as the anvil die impression left by the punch during the hammering process. The surface of the incuse quadrants shows the granular texture typical of well-worn electrum flans. |
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| Mint | Phokaia (Ionia) |
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| Additional information |
Phokaia shared the electrum hekte tradition with neighboring Mytilene under a formal agreement — the two cities alternated issues on a regular cycle, a remarkably cooperative monetary arrangement for the ancient world. Phokaian issues are distinguished by their consistently higher natural gold content relative to Mytilene's, a difference attributable to the specific alluvial sources each city accessed.
The series terminates around 326 BC, almost certainly cut short by Macedonian political pressure reshaping Ionian civic autonomy in the decades following Alexander's campaigns.