Kyme and Aegae: Aeolis, located on the western coast of Asia Minor, was a key trading hub during the Hellenistic era. While its capital city was Kyme, the larger city of Smyrna played a significant role in global commerce. This region is famous for its mention in Homer’s The Odyssey, where Odysseus visits Aeolia after encountering the Cyclops.
Importance of Coinage in Aeolis
As trade flourished, there was a growing need for reliable coinage, especially larger coins like Tetradrachms and Dekadrachms, used for major transactions. Tetradrachms were widely produced in Kyme, with similar quantities made in other cities like Myrina and Aigai.
The Stephanophoric Method
One interesting aspect of these coins is the production technique called the “Stephanophoric type.” This method involved using a cupped die, which created coins with a raised rim. This feature helped solve the problem of off-center coins and made stacking easier, which was essential for handling large amounts of trade goods. The Stephanophoric method, although short-lived, was praised by numismatic expert Doug Smith for its efficiency.
City-States of Aeolis
Aeolis consisted of nine city-states, most of which only minted coins during the Roman occupation. The larger city-states were central to coin production. The earliest coins, called Staters, were likely minted in Kyme and possibly one other city in the 6th century BC.
Aegae: A Brief Overview
Aegae shared a similar environment with its neighboring city, Temnos. The city was explored by researchers in 1881, and significant excavations, including a temple and market, took place in 1889. Aegae has a rich history, dating back nearly 2500 years. Although it managed to remain neutral under Persian rule, Aegae appeared in Athenian tribute lists, showing its importance in the region.
Historical Context of Aegae
Aegae faced a violent history during its involvement in conflicts, such as the war between Attalus I and Prussias II. The ancient historian Herodotus noted that Aegae was one of the old Aeolic states, and its geography made it challenging for political stability and trade.
Coinage of Aegae
Archaic Period Coins
The earliest coins from Aegae are thought to be an electrum piece featuring a goat’s head. Although their exact origins are uncertain, they were found near Kyme. Aegae began minting coins in the 2nd century BC, featuring depictions of Apollo, Zeus, and Athena. This shift in coin design reflects the influence of Pergamum culture, showing how cultures often blended in the ancient world.
Kyme: The Coinage Powerhouse
Kyme was the largest city in Aeolis and had significant involvement in early coinage. Excavations since 1881 have uncovered numerous treasures, particularly coins. The earliest known coins from Kyme date back to the 6th century BC, during the Persian wars. Some coins feature a horse’s likeness, connecting them to Poseidon, the sea god.
Transition of Coinage in Kyme
Kyme’s coin production saw a halt around 450 BC when Athenian coins became more prominent. However, Kyme resumed minting coins nearly a century later, often creating imitations of Athenian coins. These imitations were found in various hoards, suggesting a continued interest in coinage.
Conclusion
The coinage of Kyme and Aegae offers a fascinating glimpse into the economic and cultural dynamics of ancient Aeolis. Their coins reflect the region’s rich history, the blending of cultures, and the evolution of trade practices over time. Understanding these coins helps us appreciate the complexity of ancient economies and the role of coinage in facilitating trade and commerce. The legacy of Kyme and Aegae lives on through the remnants of their coinage, revealing stories from a distant past.
Table
Based on the detailed information provided about the coinage of Kyme and Aegae, here’s a simplified table to summarize key details about the coins mentioned:
| Coin Type | Date Range | Weight (grams) | Obverse Design | Reverse Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Tetradrachm | 160-150 BC | 16.70 | Laureate head of Apollo right, quiver over shoulder | Zeus standing left, holding scepter and eagle, within oak wreath | SNG von Aulock-1594 |
| AR Tetradrachm | 150-145 BC | 16.70 | Similar to above | Similar to above | SNG Cop-6 |
| AR Stater (1/A) | 550-500 BC | 11.74 | Forepart of horse right | Two incuse square punches with stellate patterns | 10-20 known examples |
| AR Stater (1/B.1) | ca. 520 BC | 11.95 | Forepart of horse left | Two incuse squares with stellate patterns (palmetes, flowers) | Typically the same obverse die as 1/A |
| AR Stater (2/B.2) | ca. 520 BC | Not specified | Forepart of horse left (or right) | Similar to above | Smaller square slightly off center |
| EL Stater | ca. 495 BC | Not specified | Free horse galloping left, ivy leaf beneath | Quadripartite incuse with partial squares | SNG von Aulock-7798; two known examples |
| EL Trite (Electrum) | ca. 495 BC | Not specified | Bridled head of horse right | Rough incuse square | Cataloged as uncertain origin |
| Trihemiobol | ca. 495 BC | Not specified | Bare head of horse right | Rough incuse square | Small fractional coin |
| 1/24 Stater | ca. 480 BC | Not specified | Bare head of eagle left (or right) | Quadripartite incuse square | Found in regional hoards |
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FAQs
1. What is the significance of the horse design on Kyme’s coins?
The horse design on Kyme’s coins is thought to symbolize the region’s rich equestrian tradition and possibly the strength or nobility associated with horses. The design varies slightly over time, showing either the forepart of a horse or a bridled horse’s head.
2. What materials were used for coinage in Kyme and Aegae?
Kyme and Aegae produced coins in silver (AR) and electrum (EL), a gold and silver alloy. The use of silver was common for larger denominations like tetradrachms and staters, while electrum was used for specific issues, such as staters and trites.
3. What makes the EL Stater from Kyme particularly rare?
The EL Stater from around 495 BC is rare because only two known examples exist. Its unique design features a free horse galloping left with an ivy leaf beneath it, indicating it may have been a special issue or limited in production.
4. Why are the reverse designs on ancient Greek coins often simple or incuse?
Reverse designs on ancient Greek coins, such as those from Kyme and Aegae, were often simple due to the limitations of early coin minting technology. The incuse technique involved striking a negative design into the metal, which created a square or other simple shapes on the reverse side.
5. What does the term ‘AR’ mean when referring to ancient coins?
‘AR’ stands for ‘Argentum,’ which means silver. It is a shorthand used to categorize coins made of silver, such as the AR tetradrachms and staters issued by cities like Kyme and Aegae.