Badge of Cyzicus

Coin features two dolphins encircling a Cyzicus’ tuna. The dolphins symbolize Poseidon, the god of the sea.

Cyzicus was one of the great trade cities of the ancient world. It was located on the Sea of Marmara and ruled by the Persian Empire until its capture by Alexander the Great in 334 BCE. Tuna fishing was the cornerstone of the economy of Cyzicus, becoming the defining feature of the coinage from the city.

The myth of Perseus & Medusa. An electrum stater struck around 400 BC from Cyzicus

In the first half of the sixth century BCE, the electrum staters of Cyzicus became one of the most widely recognized coins of their time. For decades, the entire trade in grain in the Black Sea Region was transacted with Cyzicus coins. Gold staters of Cyzicus were a staple currency in the ancient world until they were overtaken by those of Philip of Macedon.

Rare Sphinx of Cyzicus. Six are known.