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The Mytilene Lesbos Electrum Hekte from 377-326 B.C. is a fascinating and historic example of Ancient Greek coinage, coming from the city-state of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. This coin is a part of the broader category of Electrum coinage, which was used extensively throughout the ancient world, particularly in Asia Minor. Electrum, an alloy of gold and silver, was highly valued due to its rarity and the difficulty in refining it into pure gold or silver, making coins crafted from it significant both for their material and their symbolism. This Hekte, weighing approximately 2.57 grams, was produced in a time of great political and economic complexity in the region. As such, it provides a window into the ancient world, particularly the city of Mytilene’s role in trade, politics, and culture during the Classical period of Greek history.
The design of the Mytilene Electrum Hekte is one of its most striking features. On the obverse, the coin features a portrait of the god Hermes or his attributes, including a petasos (a type of broad-brimmed hat) and winged sandals. Hermes, the god of commerce, trade, and travel, was closely associated with the city of Mytilene due to its importance as a trading hub in the Aegean Sea. The wings on his sandals symbolize swiftness and agility, traits that were highly valued in a bustling maritime city like Mytilene. The reverse of the coin depicts a crouching or seated figure of the god Kabiros, associated with fertility and the protection of sailors. The image of Kabiros in the reverse design is highly symbolic, as Mytilene’s maritime activities would have relied heavily on the protection of deities like Kabiros who were believed to ensure safety and success for seafarers. The Kabiros figure is rendered in a stylized, dynamic form, with muscular proportions and fluid lines, indicative of the Greek artistic emphasis on both idealized and functional representations of the human form.
The coin was struck in electrum, an alloy primarily composed of gold and silver, with a ratio varying depending on the period and location of minting. The purity of the electrum used in the Mytilene Hekte is likely to have fluctuated, but the material’s distinctive yellowish color makes it easily recognizable. The weight of the Hekte, approximately 2.57 grams, is typical for this denomination, which was a popular form of currency during the Classical period in Greece. The Hekte was part of the broader currency system used in Mytilene and other Greek cities, where coinage often facilitated trade, diplomatic relations, and military expeditions. Electrum coins were durable and could be easily stored or transported, making them ideal for merchants, officials, and travelers alike.
The minting of the Mytilene Electrum Hekte is closely tied to the city’s historical and cultural significance in the Aegean world. During the period of its issue, Mytilene was a prosperous and politically influential city-state on the island of Lesbos. It was a major maritime power, engaging in trade with many parts of the ancient Mediterranean world, including mainland Greece, Egypt, and Persia. The presence of Hermes on the obverse highlights the city’s role in commerce, while the depiction of Kabiros on the reverse reflects the importance of religion and divine protection in Mytilene’s daily life, particularly in its seafaring activities. The minting of electrum coins during this period also reflects the broader trend of developing coinage systems to facilitate trade, which was becoming increasingly important as Greek city-states and empires expanded their influence throughout the Mediterranean.
In terms of mintage, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of Mytilene Electrum Hektes struck during this period. However, the fact that they were made from electrum, a relatively scarce and valuable material, suggests that they were produced in limited quantities. The mintage of these coins was likely tied to the needs of the city-state, with coins used for trade, tribute, and military purposes. The rarity of the Mytilene Electrum Hekte makes it an important piece for collectors and historians, as it represents a significant moment in the evolution of Greek coinage. The presence of electrum coins in archaeological finds across the Mediterranean further attests to their importance in the ancient world, serving as a means of exchange and a reflection of Mytilene’s wealth and influence during the 5th and early 4th centuries B.C.
In terms of its condition, the Mytilene Electrum Hekte described here is graded as VF, or Very Fine. This grade indicates that the coin is well-worn but still retains considerable detail in the design. The portrait of Hermes on the obverse is still distinct, and the figure of Kabiros on the reverse can be clearly identified. The coin’s surfaces show some wear and light scratches, which is typical for a coin of this age and material. Despite these signs of wear, the coin remains highly collectible due to its historical significance, artistic quality, and rarity. Electrum coins such as this one, particularly those from important Greek city-states like Mytilene, are highly prized by numismatists for their connection to the ancient world and their representation of the cultural and economic achievements of the time.
In conclusion, the Mytilene Lesbos Electrum Hekte from 377-326 B.C. is a remarkable coin that encapsulates the economic, political, and religious life of the city-state of Mytilene during a pivotal moment in Greek history. The coin’s design, featuring the god Hermes on the obverse and the deity Kabiros on the reverse, reflects Mytilene’s dual role as a commercial hub and a center of maritime activity. The minting of electrum coins during this period highlights the city’s prosperity and its connection to the broader Greek world. The coin’s condition, graded as VF, is a testament to its age and enduring significance. For collectors and historians alike, the Mytilene Electrum Hekte represents a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world, combining artistry, commerce, and religion into a single, tangible piece of history.