Phoenicia, Sidon, AE Circa 1st Century BC, Tyche / Phoenician Galley - RR

Greek, Phoenicia, Sidon, AE (bronze, 3.75g, 17.3mm), Circa 1st Century BC

Obv: Turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche right

Rev: ΣIΔONIΩN; Phoenician galley left, date above, Phoenician script below

Ref: Rouvier 1342 var (date)

Rarity/Choice: Scarce, Good VF (signs of light double striking on the obverse, but otherwise exhibits lovely details)

Note: Sidon, an ancient and prosperous city renowned for its maritime trade, shipbuilding, and production of purple dye extracted from the murex shellfish, was a prominent center of Phoenician culture and commerce. Tyche, often depicted as a guardian deity, symbolized the city's protection and prosperity under her watchful eye.

The reverse of this coin features a Phoenician galley, a type of ancient ship used by Phoenician sailors for trade and exploration. Below the galley lies an inscription in Phoenician script, typically denoting the issuing authority, additional information, or a dedication. This coin serves as a reflection of the maritime and commercial importance of Sidon during the Hellenistic period.