The Stephanophoric, or wreath bearing, coinage issued by the Ionian League demonstrates the heights of Hellenistic Greek artistic achievement. While the issues of each city were iconographically distinct, the relatively homogeneous visual style has led numismatists to the conclusion that they all belong to one common regional series. 

Those of Smyrna, placed both their ethnic monograph as well as the magistrates monogram within the eponymous reverse wreath. Clearly a derivative of the New Style Athenian coinage, the bust of Tyche wearing the turreted mural crown reflects Smyrna’s defensive strength. Unfortunately for the city’s residents, this strength quickly proved to be a paper tiger as encroaching Roman power quickly dominated the region.