The Agricultural Coinage of Aeolis: The Legacy of Cyme and Myrina

In the fertile coastal strip of Western Anatolia, the region of Aeolis, situated between Mysia and Ionia, takes its name from the Aeolian Greeks who settled there. A confederation of twelve cities,

Although Aeolis did not possess the commercial genius of Ionia or the political power of Lydia, it achieved a unique level of prosperity thanks to its rich agricultural lands. The finest reflections of this prosperity and agriculture-based economic structure are seen in the silver coinage issued from the mints of Cyme and Myrina, the two most important cities of the region. Especially the large silver tetradrachms minted during the Hellenistic period and known as 'stephanophoric' (crown-bearing), engraved both the artistic taste and the agricultural identity of Aeolis onto metal.  

The economy of Aeolis was largely based on agriculture, and this situation allowed the region to maintain a largely peaceful character throughout history. The region, conquered by King Croesus of Lydia, subsequently came under Persian, Macedonian, Seleucid, and Pergamene rule, and finally became part of the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC. These political changes also left their mark on the numismatic history of the region.  

Cyme, the largest and most important city of the region, has a rich coinage history. Early coinage typically featured figures such as the forepart of a horse (protome) or an eagle's head. The horse figure is thought to have a connection with the sea god Poseidon and to symbolize the city's relationship with the sea. However, Cyme's numismatic peak is represented by the stephanophoric tetradrachms it minted in the mid-2nd century BC. On the obverse of these large and impressive silver coins is an idealized portrait of the Amazon Cyme, believed to be the legendary founder of the city. This is an expression of the city's pride in its own mythological roots. On the reverse of the coins, a rearing horse figure is depicted, and this figure is surrounded by a laurel wreath. Below the horse, an additional symbol, typically a one-handled wine cup (kantharos), is placed. All these symbols point to the city's agricultural wealth (wine) and perhaps its renown in horse breeding.  

Cyme's neighbor, Myrina, also followed a similar numismatic tradition. The stephanophoric tetradrachms minted in Myrina were also produced in the same period and with the same high artistic quality as those of Cyme. However, Myrina chose different symbols reflecting its own identity. On the obverse of the coins is an elegant, laurel-wreathed portrait of the god Apollo, who had a significant cult in the region and an important temple in nearby Gryneion. On the reverse, a standing full figure of Apollo is depicted, holding a laurel branch and a bowl (phiale). This depiction is also surrounded by a laurel wreath. This emphasis on Apollo indicates Myrina's strong connection with the religious center in the region and its definition of identity through this god.  

The 'stephanophoric' (crown-bearing) style, common to the coinage of Cyme and Myrina, was a fashion adopted by many cities in the northern Aegean during this period. The laurel wreath surrounding the reverse of these coins, struck on broad and thin flans, gave them this name. The 'cupped die' technique used in the production of these coins caused the edges of the coin to rise, both facilitating centering and allowing the coins to be stacked more easily. Even this technical detail suggests that these coins were produced in large quantities for use in major commercial transactions.  

In conclusion, the coinage of Aeolis, especially that of Cyme and Myrina, offers us numismatic reflections of an agriculture-based economy. These coins do not tell stories of warrior kings or conquests, but rather the fertility of the land, respect for mythological roots, and devotion to the gods. The proud face of an Amazon or the serene portrait of a god are the most beautiful expressions in metal of Aeolis' peaceful and prosperous identity.

Sources:
https://asiaminorcoins.com/aiolis.html
https://www.austincoins.com/aeolis-cyme-tetra-ms-4x5/
https://vegascoindealer.com/blogs/news/unveiling-the-mysteries-the-peculiar-coinage-of-kyme-aegae