Numismatic types were chosen by the issuing state to show a characteristic and recognisable feature which would enable users to identify the coins they held in their hand. The engravers were inspired by subjects which were the "trademark" of the city or kingdom which issued the coins, and for this reason they portray gods, divinities, nymphs and heroes who were worshipped in the place which issued the coin, together with their symbols; temples, public buildings and statues which adorned sanctuaries or public areas, or a combination of a building and a statue; the natural resources of the territory and its flora and fauna; themes from the Iliad, mythical beings and mythological scenes; everyday scenes and objects; idealised portraits of human figures, personifications of concepts, institutions and natural features (especially rivers), celestial bodies and even a design suggested by the name of the city itself (e.g a seal (phoce) in coins from Phocaea).
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