Kings of Bithynia, Prusias II Cynegos, AE Circa 182-149 BC, Struck Nikomedeia, Dionysos / Centaur

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Description

Kings of Bithynia, Prusias II Cynegos, 182-149 BC, AE (bronze, 4.6g, 21.6mm), Struck Nikomedeia,
Obv: Nikomedeia. Head of Dionysos to right, wearing wreath of ivy and fruit
Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ – ΠΡΟYΣIOY Centaur advancing right, playing lyre
Ref: BMC 15-7; SNG Copenhagen 635 Rarity/Choice: Common, VF
Note: Prusias II Cynegos, one of the Kings of Bithynia, ruled from 182 to 149 BC. Dionysos, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater, is portrayed on the obverse. He is typically depicted as a youthful figure wearing a wreath of ivy leaves and often accompanied by vines or grapes, symbolizing his association with wine and revelry. Centaurs are mythical creatures from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. In Greek mythology, centaurs were often depicted as wild and untamed beings, representing the primal forces of nature. However, the portrayal of a centaur playing a lyre suggests a more civilized and artistic side to these creatures.  This coin provides valuable insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of Bithynia during Prusias II’s reign, as well as the kingdom’s integration of Greek and indigenous Anatolian traditions.

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