AEOLIS

Aeolis, the fertile coastal strip between Smyrna (İzmir) and the Gulf of Adramyttium, was a confederation of twelve Aeolian cities. The region's economy was largely based on agriculture, and throughout history, it successively fell under Lydian, Persian, Pergamene, and Roman rule. These political shifts were also reflected in the style and standards of the region's coinage.

Mints of Aeolis

Among the region's principal mints were Aegae, Autokane, Elaia, Gryneion, Kyme, Larissa Phrikonis, Myrina, and Temnos.46

Kyme

Kyme, one of the largest and most important cities of Aeolis, boasts a rich numismatic history. Its early silver coinage often featured powerful and noble animal figures, such as an eagle's head or the protome (forepart) of a horse. These symbols reflected the city's aristocratic structure and perhaps significant figures in local mythology. The tetradrachms minted during the Hellenistic period, bearing the portrait of the Amazon Kyme, are a reference to the city's founding myth and are notable for their high artistic quality.