Terina, a city of uncertain location, was likely situated near modern-day Sant'Eufemia Lamezia in Italy. Founded before 460 BC by settlers from Kroton, it is thought to have emerged after the Krotoniate victory over Sybaris around 510 BC. Though the city was regarded as the burial place of the siren Ligeia, indicating a settlement predating the Krotoniate colony, its historical presence is largely obscure. Terina is briefly mentioned in Polyaenos' Strategems, where it is noted to have engaged in conflict with Thourioi under Kleandridas shortly after 444/3 BC, suggesting the city was significant both in size and power. The city's wealth and cultural prominence are also reflected in its high-quality coinage, which was diverse in design, and in the success of one of its citizens at the Olympic Games in 392 BC.

Terina's political history was tumultuous. According to Diodoros, the city was conquered by the Bruttians in 356 BC, marking it as the first Greek city to fall to this rising power. Although briefly recaptured by Alexander of Epeiros, the city likely fell back under Bruttian control after his death. Terina remained under Bruttian rule until it was destroyed by Hannibal's forces in 203 BC, who chose to raze the city rather than leave it intact for the advancing Romans. Despite these periods of subjugation, the spirit of Terina endured, as evidenced by its impressive coinage over more than 150 years of semi-independence.

The coinage of Terina reflects the city's wealth and cultural aspirations during its prosperous periods. This particular coin, influenced by the artistic styles of Olympia and Syracuse, features a finely executed portrait of the nymph Terina on the obverse, inspired by Euainetos’ depiction of Arethusa. The reverse, depicting a winged Nike, draws from the renowned Nike balustrade of the Temple of Athena Nike on the Athenian Acropolis. The engraving of Nike is particularly striking, exemplifying the high level of craftsmanship achieved by the city's mint. The careful attention to perspective and depth in the reverse further highlights the skill of Terina's engravers, positioning this coin among the finest examples of Greek numismatic art.

BRUTTIUM. Terina. Circa 380 BC. Stater (Silver, 20.5 mm, 7.69 g, 12 h). ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΩΝ Head of the nymph Terina to right, wearing a pearl necklace and a pendant earring, and with her hair rolled up and bound at the top of her head. Rev. Nike seated left on a cippus, with a dove alighting on her right hand and with her left resting on the cippus. AMB 242 (same dies). HN III 2629. Holloway & Jenkins 84. Reeling 78 (same dies).

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 27, 12 May 2004, 64.