Catalog
| Issuer | Side |
|---|---|
| Year | 14-37 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.9 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RPC Online I#3393 |
| Obverse description | Head of Tiberius right, laureate. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟΣ (Translation: Tiberius) |
| Reverse description | Athena standing left, holding spear with right hand over right shoulder and shield on left shoulder; serpent behind her; pomegranate in left field; lettering across fields. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΣΙΔΗΤ (Translation: of Side) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (14-37) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1012312500 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Æ18 bronze from Side, Pamphylia, issued during Emperor Tiberius' reign (14-37 CE), exemplifies Roman provincial coinage. Tiberius, the second emperor, oversaw imperial consolidation. Side, like other cities, struck bronze for local commerce, affirming Roman authority with the imperial portrait. The local inscription ΣΙΔΗΤ highlighted Side's identity, revealing provincial economic and political structures under the early Empire.
Artistry: The artistry reflects a provincial Roman style, blending Hellenistic influences with local interpretation, distinct from imperial mints. No specific engraver is known; local die cutters followed regional conventions. The obverse typically features a laureate or bare head of Tiberius, with varying realism. The reverse design, incorporating ΣΙΔΗΤ, likely depicts a civic emblem, local deity, or symbol significant to Side, such as its characteristic pomegranate, showcasing local identity.
Technical/Grading: This Æ18 module, 3.9 grams, is typical for provincial bronzes. High-points for wear include Tiberius' hair and facial features, and prominent reverse elements. Provincial issues often display technical irregularities like minor off-centering, uneven flan, or less precise strikes compared to imperial coinage. Nevertheless, well-preserved examples offer clear legends and distinct imagery, invaluable for epigraphic and iconographic research, reflecting the practical nature of these local currency issues.