My Triumph with My Twelve Caesars Set!
June 20, 2025My Journey to Discovering Lovely Ancient Coins Under $100
June 20, 2025
Lately, I can’t get enough of the Tyche of Antioch—how she appears on ancient coins blends Greek artistry with centuries of cultural shifts, and it’s been a fascinating journey in my own collection.
The Legend and Reality of the Tyche Statue
What really hooked me about the Tyche of Antioch? She wasn’t just another deity. That colossal bronze statue, created by Eutychides of Sicyon around 296-293 BC (a student of the great Lysippus!), became so iconic that she kept appearing on coins right through the Christian era. Take that pentanummion from Justin I’s Antioch (518-527 AD)—there she sits in her little temple with the river Orontes swirling beneath her feet, forever whispering of the city’s prosperity.
Then there’s this wild 6th-century tale from John Malalas about a virgin sacrifice linked to the statue’s origins. Honestly? It feels like ancient propaganda—a smear campaign against old traditions. It’s a good reminder to question stories we hear, especially when they might cloud the truth behind a coin’s history.
Coins Featuring the Iconic Tyche
I’ve chased Tyche across coins from different eras, and her spread still amazes me. Here’s what stands out from handling and studying these pieces:
- Hellenistic and Roman Examples: On a tetradrachm of Augustus (3 BC) from Antioch, Tyche trades her usual corn ears for a palm frond—a nod to the ‘Victory era’. What keeps collectors on their toes? She might face left, right, or straight at you, making attribution a fun puzzle.
- Provincial Issues: Cities across Syria and Mesopotamia put their spin on her. Damascus coins under Marcia Otacilia Severa (244-249 AD), for instance, feature their local Tyche inspired by Antioch’s, usually with a river god tagging along. These don’t pop up often, so when they do, aim for pieces where details like the mural crown haven’t faded away.
- Later Adaptations: Jump ahead to Justinian I’s folles from Theopolis (Antioch), and you’ll see Tyche’s throne evolved while keeping hints of Eutychides’ vision—enough to inspire medieval maps! Good ones are scarce, so I always squint at the strike quality and lettering wear before pulling the trigger.
Practical Collecting Insights and Market Trends
From my years in the hobby, here’s what might help fellow collectors:
- Grading Tips: Zero in on the Orontes figure and Tyche’s pose—that signature ‘S-curve’ screams Hellenistic style. For cruddy Damascus coins? Watch out for fake patinas hiding issues. A soft distilled water rinse usually does the trick without harming the surface.
- Authentication Watch-Outs: Tyche series fakes abound. Cross-check against solid references like the Vatican’s marble replica, and compare stylistic quirks across genuine examples—consistency matters.
- Market Observations: Big bronzes like Severus Alexander’s 8-assaria Antioch coin? Rare birds. I’ve seen decent VF examples crack $500 at auction. Tigranes II tetradrachms (80-68 BC) are friendlier but still hot—Roma Auctions prices tell me demand’s strong. Set those alerts!
In the end, Tyche of Antioch isn’t just art—she’s proof of how coins carried cultural symbols across ages. It blows my mind that miniature versions, like those in the Esquiline Treasure, once graced Roman homes. These little metal time machines? They put history right in our hands.
