Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 344 11 February 2015
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MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (9mm, 1.37 g). Head of tunny right / Incuse square. Cf. Hurter & Liewald III 21; cf. SNG France 174. Near VF, struck from worn obverse die.
The reverse is unusual for early Kyzikos where quadripartite incuse squares were the norm. At the same time, the obverse type, with just a large head right, is also unusual, as it is typically accompanied by a small full tunny or two tunny tails. Perhaps this is an ancient imitation? Kyzikos conducted trade throughout the Black Sea region, with many finds of Kyzikene coins around the northern shores, so it would not be surprising to find an imitation deriving from this area.
The reverse is unusual for early Kyzikos where quadripartite incuse squares were the norm. At the same time, the obverse type, with just a large head right, is also unusual, as it is typically accompanied by a small full tunny or two tunny tails. Perhaps this is an ancient imitation? Kyzikos conducted trade throughout the Black Sea region, with many finds of Kyzikene coins around the northern shores, so it would not be surprising to find an imitation deriving from this area.