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Hemihekte
| Issuer | Kyzikos |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 500 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Hemihekte (1/2) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Quadripartite incuse square divided by two perpendicular grooves into four recessed compartments of roughly equal size, alternating in depth and surface texture, producing a windmill-like effect characteristic of early Kyzikene electrum coinage. The incuse is boldly struck and deeply impressed. No legend or subsidiary device is present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Kyzikos (Mysia) |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Kyzikos dominated the electrum trade in the Propontis region for roughly two centuries, issuing a coinage so trusted that Kyzikene staters circulated as an international currency across the Greek world — accepted from the Black Sea grain ports to the Aegean, often at a premium over their intrinsic metal value. That reputation extended to the fractional denominations. The hemihekte, at one-twelfth of a stater, served real transactional needs in a port city growing wealthy on tuna fishing and transit commerce.
The electrum itself was almost certainly locally sourced and alloyed to a consistent standard, not left to the natural variation of Lydian river gold.