PAMPHYLIA. Side. Circa 205–180 BC. AR Tetradrachm

PAMPHYLIA. Side. Circa 205–180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27 mm, 17.06 g, 12h), Deino[–], magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Rev. ΔEI–NO, Nike advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand; in field left, pomegranate. Seyrig, Side 8; SNG Copenhagen 393; SNG Paris 680; SNG von Aulock 4787. A refined Hellenistic issue from the prosperous city of Side, displaying both military and civic symbolism. The obverse presents a finely engraved head of Athena, patroness of war and wisdom, wearing her characteristic Corinthian helmet. On the reverse, Nike strides forward with wreath in hand, a powerful emblem of victory, while the pomegranate to the left serves as the city’s emblematic badge, a direct reference to Side’s name (sida = pomegranate in the local dialect). Beautifully toned and struck with clarity, this example reflects both the artistry and political vitality of Side during the second century BC, when the city flourished as a maritime and commercial hub on the southern Anatolian coast. A coin of appealing style and excellent preservation. About Extremely Fine. Ex Hess-Divo 340, 1 June 2022, 46.