Exploring Greek Art, Fame, and Fake News: The Tyche of Antioch in Coin Collecting

I’ve been fascinated by the Tyche of Antioch for years, especially how this famous Greek statue appears on ancient coins. It’s a wonderful mix of art, history, and the kind of captivating stories that make coin collecting so rewarding. Today, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about these coins and offer some tips for fellow collectors.

The Allure of the Antioch Coin

Let’s look at a coin that really caught my eye: a pentanummion from Antioch minted under Justin I (518-527 AD). This small bronze piece, worth 5 nummia, shows the Tyche seated within a shrine on the reverse. On the front, we see Justin I’s bust facing right, draped and armored, with the inscription ‘d N IVƧTINVƧ P P AVC’. Flip it over, and there’s Tyche herself: veiled, wearing a city-wall crown, holding a branch, seated left with the river god Orontes swimming below her feet, plus that distinct Э mark. What’s truly fascinating is that this pagan goddess was still being minted centuries into the Christian era—just picture historian John Malalas handling these coins in the 520s while repeating a rather dramatic origin tale!

Separating Fact from Fiction

Malalas tells us in his Chronographia that Tyche was modeled on a sacrificed maiden named Aimathe from the time of Seleucus Nicator. My research suggests this is pure propaganda—ancient fake news aimed at discrediting older Greek traditions. The reality? The Tyche was an artistic triumph by Eutychides of Sicyon, a student of the famous sculptor Lysippus, created around 296-293 BC. This grand bronze statue showed a veiled woman crowned like a city wall, seated on a rock with Orontes flowing beneath. It became so renowned that copies appeared throughout the Roman Empire, like the beautiful marble version you can see in the Vatican Museum today. For collectors like us, this underscores how coins preserve artistic heritage, but it also reminds us to check our sources and avoid falling for tall tales.

Tyche’s Journey on Ancient Coins

I’ve examined many coins featuring Tyche over the years, and it’s remarkable how her depiction changed. Here’s a look at some key types:

• Hellenistic to Roman Era: Coins from emperors like Elagabalus or Trebonianus Gallus show Tyche in different stances—facing left, right, or even frontally. An Augustus tetradrachm (c. 3 BC) replaces the usual corn-ears with a palm frond, a symbol of victory that helps date these pieces. They’re often quite affordable, but watch for wear; weights hovering around 15g can help spot suspicious pieces.
• Provincial Issues: Coins from cities such as Damascus under Marcia Otacilia Severa (244-249 AD) borrow Tyche’s image but add local flavor, like including a Marsyas figure to mark colonial status. These are harder to find and frequently show corrosion—I’ve found success looking for sharp details beneath darker patinas. A Damascus coin should weigh about 17.56g; significantly lighter weights raise red flags.
• Late Roman Examples: A Severus Alexander 8-assaria piece shows the emperor crowning Tyche, likely inspired by a lost statue group. Justinian I’s follis from Theopolis (Antioch) features an enthroned figure echoing Tyche, but it’s scarce and tough to find in high grades—look for weights near 15g and readable inscriptions.

More Than Just Coins: Statues and Treasures

Seeing Tyche artifacts in museums has deepened my appreciation. The Vatican’s marble replica is stunning, and the Esquiline Treasure includes gilded silver statuettes (late 4th c. AD) featuring Tyche with Orontes, proving her lasting influence. These pieces remind me that coins are just one part of the story; comparing them to statues helps verify reverse designs. For instance, that distinctive S-curve posture in Tyche figures is classic Hellenistic style, so spotting it on a coin adds confidence in its authenticity.

Collecting Tips from the Trench

Here’s some practical advice based on my collecting journey:

• Rarity and Value: Antioch coins are highly sought after but not always easy to find, especially in decent shape. I’ve seen pentanummia like Justin I’s sell for $200-$500 in fair condition, while rarer types (like Severus Alexander) can climb into the thousands at auctions. Checking past auction results helps gauge prices.
• Grading Matters: Surface condition is crucial. Many bronzes are dark or corroded—examples with clear details like Orontes or the mural crown fetch higher prices. Grab a loupe to check for tooling marks or unnatural patinas; I once heard of a collector whose “sandy patina” washed right off, revealing problems.
• Avoiding Fakes: Tyche’s popularity means fakes exist. Consistent weights (say, 15-18g for larger bronzes) and reverse designs matching known artifacts are key. If Tyche holds something unusual, like the vertical object on Damascus coins, dig deeper—it’s often a rudder or cornucopia.
• Market Pulse: Interest in Greek and Roman provincial coins is growing, making Tyche pieces a solid choice. Well-preserved examples with strong historical links, especially those tied to famous statues, tend to hold value well.

So, that’s the story of the Tyche of Antioch—not just a numismatic subject, but a doorway into art, history, and the fun of uncovering truth behind legends. Whether you love Greek art or enjoy hunting for overlooked bronzes, these coins offer endless fascination. Happy collecting!