Mysia. Kyzikos circa 450-330 BC.
Sixth Stater or Hekte EL

12 mm, 2,67 g

Kekrops left, holding branch; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square.

Some marks, otherwise, good very fine

Von Fritze I 158.

Kekrops, the mythological founder and first king of Athens, is a figure deeply embedded in the city's identity. According to legend, he was born from the earth itself, with a form that combined a human upper body and a serpent or fish-tail lower body, symbolizing his connection to the earth and his dual nature as both a human and a chthonic being. Kekrops is a prominent figure in Athenian mythology, notably appearing on Athenian red-figure vases and in the sculpture of the west pediment of the Parthenon. In one notable myth, Kekrops judged the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. Athena's gift of the olive tree was chosen over Poseidon's saltwater spring, leading to her becoming the city's patron goddess. This scene, highlighting the olive tree, symbolizes Athens' prosperity and divine favor. Interestingly, despite this myth's distinctly Athenian origin, Kekrops appears on the coinage of Kyzikos in Mysia. This can be explained by the close cultural and possibly political ties between Kyzikos and Athens. The depiction of Kekrops holding the olive tree on these coins reflects the shared reverence for Athenian mythology and underscores the influence of Athens in the wider Greek world. The coin itself, with a flan perfectly shaped to fit the design, captures the essence of this legendary figure and his importance in the broader Hellenic culture.