Tetradrachm Depicting the Goddess Tyche
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
80-79 BCE
This ancient silver tetradrachm originates from the Greek city of Arados in Phoenicia (modern Jazirat Arwad, Syria) and is dated to 80–79 BCE. It measures approximately 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.) in diameter and presents imagery in relief on both faces.
The obverse features a profile portrait of the goddess Tyche facing right, adorned with a distinctive turreted crown styled like city walls. The reverse shows the winged goddess Nike standing and facing left, holding a palm branch, enclosed within a surrounding wreath. The reverse also includes Greek lettering, inscribed with the legend ΑΡΑΔΙΩΝ alongside additional monogram markings.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
In antiquity, the goddess Tyche functioned as a personification and symbol of cities, identified primarily by her crown shaped like city walls. While cities frequently chose Tyche as their civic emblem, they often selected an additional divinity to serve as their particular patron and protector.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Reverse: ΑΡΑΔΙΩΝ
- Maker recorded
- Greek; Arados, Phoenicia (now Syria)
- Place recorded
- Jazirat Arwad
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Tyche
- Museum object number
- 1923.1159
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.