The coinage of Side is the output of numismatic production at Side, an ancient Greek colony in the region of Pamphylia, in modern-day Turkey.
History The earliest recorded coinage from Side, silver staters, date to approximately 490–400 BC. From this time up until the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius, the coinage of Side is representative of a fine Hellenic style, often featuring the helmeted busts of Athena on the obverse and the figure of Nike on the reverse. A frequent theme on this coinage is the pomegranate fruit, as the name Side was the word for pomegranate in the local language.Turkish Odyssey Perge-Aspendus-Side-Alanya "Side was founded by Aeolians of the Aegean region. The history of the town extends back to the 7C BC. "Side" meant "pomegranate" in the local language. Until the Roman Imperial period, pomegranate was the symbol used on the coins of Side. "Side, Pamphylia, AE16. ca. 310-380 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right. / ΣIΔH, pomegranate on a stalk, caduceus to left. SNG France III 772; SNG Pfalz 487-488 cngcoins.com, auction 145, lot 108, Aug. 2006.
In Greek mythology, young Side's blood is transformed into a pomegranate tree after she kills herself trying to escape from her father.
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