GCV 3861 Mysia, Kyzikos. AE30, 3rd century BC.

Mysia, Kyzikos

AE19, 3rd century BC. 

Obverse: Head of Kore Soteira l., hair in sphendone covered with a veil, wearing wreath of grain ears.

Reverse: Tripod; tunny below.

Reference: Cf. SNG BnF 420-8., GCV 3861

Size: 19 mm. Weight: 5.37 g. Conservation: VF

The bronze coin from Kyzikos, Mysia, featuring the head of Kore Soteira on the obverse and a tripod with a tunny fish below on the reverse, presents intriguing symbolic meanings. Here’s an interpretation of its imagery:

Obverse: Head of Kore Soteira

1. Kore Soteira: Kore (or Persephone) is the daughter of Demeter and is associated with spring, fertility, and the cycle of life and death. The epithet "Soteira" means "Savior," reflecting her role as a goddess of rebirth and renewal, thus indicating her protective and nurturing qualities.

2. Veil and Wreath of Grain:

   • Veil: The veil represents modesty and purity. It can signify the transition between the mortal and divine, hinting at her dual nature as both a goddess of fertility and a figure associated with the afterlife.
   • Wreath of Grain Ears: The grain wreath emphasizes her agricultural associations, connecting her to fertility, harvest, and sustenance. It highlights the importance of agriculture in the prosperity of the city and reinforces the theme of life-giving nourishment.

3. Symbol of Protection: The inclusion of Kore Soteira on the coin suggests a protective aspect over the population of Kyzikos, as she embodies the cycle of nature and the agricultural life that sustains the community.

Reverse: Tripod and Tunny

1. Tripod:

   • The tripod is a significant symbol in ancient Greek culture, often associated with divination, oracular sites, and athletic competitions (such as those at the Pythian Games honoring Apollo). It signifies a connection to the divine and could reflect the city's aspirations for wisdom, knowledge, or victory.
   • The tripod may also symbolize the sacred connection between people and the gods, representing Kyzikos's cultural practices or religious significance.

2. Tunny (Tuna Fish):

   • The tunny is an important fish in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, often associated with abundance and the sea. Its depiction could signify the wealth derived from fishing and the importance of maritime trade to the city of Kyzikos, which was a prosperous port.
   • Furthermore, the tunny can be viewed as a symbol of fertility, agility, and strength, associating it with the prosperity of the city.

Overall Interpretation

The coin from Kyzikos illustrates a vivid narrative about the cultural identity of the city and its relationship with agriculture, divinity, and maritime prosperity. The appearance of Kore Soteira on the obverse highlights themes of fertility, protection, and the vital connection between the land and its people. The grain wreath reinforces the importance of agricultural abundance.

On the reverse, the tripod represents the city's aspirations for knowledge and connection to the divine, while the tunny fish underscores the significance of the sea and trade. Together, these elements showcase the harmony between natural resources, divine protection, and cultural practices that were essential to the identity and prosperity of Kyzikos in the 3rd century BC.

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Riferimento : GCV 3861

Collezione : XII Greek Coins - Asia