★ Excessively Rare Louvar Hekte ★

Mysia. Kyzikos circa 600-550 BC.
Hekte EL

11 mm, 2,67 g

Louvar swimming left; below, tunny swimming left / Quadripartite incuse square.

Well centred, Good Very Fine

Hurter & Liewald III p. 14, 3; CNG 99, lot 170; CNG E-387, lot 122; otherwise unpublished.

Excessively Rare.

The EL Hekte from Kyzikos, dating from circa 600-550 BC, offers a fascinating window into the ancient world, particularly into the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of Mysia, an ancient region in what is now northwestern Turkey. The depiction of a louvar and a tunny on this coin is not just an artistic choice but reflects the economic and ecological contexts of Kyzikos during the period. Kyzikos, located on the southern shore of the Propontis (modern-day Sea of Marmara), was an important ancient Greek city known for its prosperity and strategic maritime location. It had thriving trade relations and was particularly renowned for its mint, which produced various coins that were widely circulated. The presence of a louvar (a rare and large fish known today as a delicacy) and a tunny (a type of tuna) on the obverse of the coin is significant. The depiction of marine life underscores the importance of fishing and seafaring in the local economy of Kyzikos. Tunny fishing, in particular, was a major economic activity in the region, and the fish was a staple in the diet of many ancient Greeks and an important product in trade. The depiction of these specific fish species suggests that the inhabitants of Kyzikos were not only familiar with these marine creatures but also held them in high regard, enough to immortalize them on their currency. This could indicate the community's pride in their local natural resources and their reliance on the sea for sustenance and economic prosperity. The reverse of the coin, featuring a quadripartite incuse square, is typical of the coinage from this era and region. This design element does not carry specific symbolic meaning but was a common feature in the coinage of many Greek cities during the Archaic period. It was likely used to standardize the weight and validate the authenticity of the coin. The rarity and historical significance of this particular hekte, coupled with the mysterious allure of the louvar, make it an extraordinary piece. The coin is linked to Kyzikos through its iconography and numismatic context, especially given the recent discoveries that confirm its origin due to its association with other contemporary issues definitively placed at Kyzikos. In summary, the EL Hekte from Kyzikos is not only a rare numismatic artifact but also a testimony to the rich marine life of the region and its significance to the local economy. The coin serves as a direct link to the ancient world, providing insight into the economic conditions, dietary habits, and artistic expressions of the time. The meticulous craftsmanship and choice of imagery reflect the cultural and economic priorities of the people of Kyzikos, making this coin a valuable piece of ancient history