This sterling silver pendant holds an authentic silver stater dating back to the 4th century BC. On the obverse, it depicts the nymph Terina, adorned with earrings and a necklace — the emblem of the ancient Magna Graecian city of the same name and a personification of its beauty and prosperity. On the reverse, Nike is shown seated upon a base, in an elegant pose that evokes divine grace and victory.
The nymph Terina was the tutelary deity of the city of Terina, founded in southern Italy within the region of Magna Graecia, near present-day Lamezia Terme. The city flourished between the 5th and 4th centuries BC and was renowned for the refinement of its coinage, which often portrayed the nymph as a symbol of the purity of its waters and the prosperity of the polis. The image of Terina reflects the importance of local cults and the deep connection between the community and its surrounding landscape.
Nike, the goddess of Victory, is depicted here seated upon a base, with a serene yet majestic demeanor. In Greek mythology, Nike embodies triumph, glory, and success — both in warfare and athletic contests. Her presence on the reverse of the coin emphasizes the city’s aspiration for divine protection and victory, while also representing the ideal of harmony and perfection that pervaded classical Greek art.
