Tyche Coin Pendant

Along the Phoenician Coast were a number of large and prosperous cities that specialized in seafaring and trade. In the northern part of Phoenicia, directly across from the island of Cyprus, was Aradus, an island-city which also controlled much of the surrounding mainland. Representing the city’s great prosperity is the goddess Tyche, who originally was the goddess of chance, but by the time this coin was struck had evolved to represent prosperity, and had cities under her special protection.

As such, the people of Aradus felt it best to honor the goddess responsible for their prosperity and protection by placing her image on the front of their coins. The back of this issue is equally lucky as it shows Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The people of Aradus could not have chosen a better combination to insure its continued economic prosperity and military security.