Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
Stater
| Issuer | Kyzikos |
|---|---|
| Year | 550 BC - 450 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 by raised ridges into four symmetrical recessed compartments of roughly equal size, as clearly visible on this specimen. This standard mill-sail incuse pattern is characteristic of early Greek coinage from the Archaic period and served as the anvil-die impression during the hammered striking process. The incuse is deeply and crisply struck, with each quadrant showing slightly irregular surfaces consistent with hand production. No legend or additional device is present. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Kyzikos, strategically positioned on the Propontis, dominated electrum coinage in the Greek world for much of the sixth and fifth centuries BC — its staters circulating as a de facto international trading currency across the Black Sea and Aegean. The city's electrum was not locally mined but sourced from Lydia and refined to a remarkably consistent standard, which is precisely why merchants trusted it over competing issues.
Each emission carried a unique reverse tunny fish, Kyzikos's civic emblem, while obverse types rotated continuously — likely issued in short series tied to specific festivals or magistracies rather than continuous production runs.