v51_0172 - MISIA - CIZICA Drachme

MYSIA – KYZIKOS / CYZICUS

(390-330 BC)

Cyzicus, a colony of Miletus founded in the 8th century BC, is placed on the Propontis on the island of Arktonnesos. Its political and economic situation was preponderant between Pont-Euxin and the Aegean Sea by controlling the Propontis at the outlet of the Hellespont. Coinage began at the end of the 7th century BC. An important coinage of electrum was minted between 600 and 330 BC with the tuna as its symbol. After an extremely rare issue with the effigy of the satrap Pharnabaze around 395-394 BC, the coinage with the portrait of Koré began around 390 BC and ended with the arrival of Alexander the Great in Asia Minor. The city was supposed to be the place where Persephone was abducted by Hades.