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Stater
| Issuer | Kyzikos |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 500 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Electrum |
| 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 |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A quadripartite incuse square dominates the reverse, divided into four recessed compartments by a raised cross, characteristic of early Greek coinage struck by the punch technique. The incuse is deeply impressed and roughly square in outline, with alternating raised and sunken sections producing a windmill or pinwheel effect. The surface bears the granular texture inherent to hammered electrum flans. No inscription or subsidiary device is present. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Kyzikos (Mysia) |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Kyzikos, the Propontine city on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, dominated electrum coinage production in the Greek world for roughly two centuries, and staters of this type functioned as the primary trade currency across the Black Sea and Aegean routes during the archaic period. The city's access to naturally occurring electrum — or its ability to alloy gold and silver to a remarkably consistent standard — gave Kyzikene staters a reputation for reliability that kept them circulating far beyond their place of origin.
The tuna fish used as a control mark on virtually all Kyzikene staters reflected the city's economic dependence on the annual tuna migration through the Propontis.