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Hekte
| Issuer | Phokaia |
|---|---|
| Year | 521 BC - 478 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Hekte (10⁄3) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A quadripartite incuse square dominating the reverse, divided into four recessed rectangular compartments of unequal depth by a raised cross-shaped ridge, produced by the punch used in the hammering process. The incuse pattern is deeply struck and irregular in texture, as is typical of archaic electrum hektes from Phokaia. The raised dividing bars create a bold geometric pattern within the square depression. No legend or additional devices are present. |
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| Mint | Phokaia (Ionia) |
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| Additional information |
Phokaia's electrum hektai were among the earliest fractional coinages struck in the Greek world, produced by a city whose merchant fleet ranged as far west as Massalia — modern Marseille — and the Iberian coast. The natural electrum used here was sourced from Lydian river deposits, and Phokaian issues are distinguishable from Lydian ones partly by their consistently lower gold content, a characteristic Bodenstedt documented systematically across the series.
Production of this type ceased abruptly when Phokaia fell to the Persians under Harpagos around 540 BC, prompting a mass emigration of citizens. A residual population remained, and limited minting resumed — this piece dates to that later phase, ending definitively with the Ionian Revolt's suppression.