Hellenistic coins of the Ancient City of Parion (2005-2019)

The archaeological data obtained during the excavations in Parion illuminate the historical process of the city, while the numismatic data dating to the Late Classical-Hellenistic Period play an important role in this process. In this context, a total of 71 coins, including 3 silver coins and 68 bronze coins, which were found during the excavations carried out in Parion between 2005-2019, were analyzed and new numismatic data about the coins minted by the city were aimed to be obtained. For these purposes; a total of 66 coins of Parion were analyzed, including 1 coin of Cyzicus with a Cyzicus coin minted on the coin of Parion, and 5 coins belonging to Adramytteion, Pergamon, Byzantion, Amphipolis and Phalasarna, 1 coin each. Among these coins, a total of 25 types were identified, including 19 main types belonging to Parion. In the study, while different theories were put forward due to the higher number of bronze coins of Parion compared to silver coins, it was also understood that Parion did not only mint coins for commercial purposes. With the iconography used on the coins, Parion provided information about the products that were among the sources of income of the city and had an important place in its economy, while at the same time, it also included iconographic elements that could emphasize the independence and autonomy of the city on its coins. Thus, it is understood that Parion minted coins as a reflection of its political and cultural independence in order to be presented as a strong and free city in the Hellenistic Period, and that it has a rich cultural heritage by hosting many different cultures throughout its history, and that the gods and goddesses important to the city were also included on its coins.