Type 55: Eros Flees from Psyche

Eros flees from Psyche, after she has discovered his identity. Only one city, Nicomedia in Bithynia, placed this motif on its coins.

* Nicomedia in Bithynia, coins of Maximus Caesar on which Eros is shown fleeing l., while Psyche, kneeling l., tries to restrain him.

 

 
Æ 24, 1h, 7.51 g. Obv. Γ IOY OYH MAΞIMOC KAIC. Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximus Caesar r., seen from behind. Rev. NIKOMHΔEΩN ΔIC NEΩKOPΩN. As described above.
 

 

 

 

 

 

* On Italian local coinages of the Roman Republic, Eros is represented as bound to a pillar and awaiting punishment for his mistreatment of Psyche (Stannard, series 35a-c). There are also gemstones that must have served as amulets: “showing Eros bound to a column inscribed ΔIKAIΩC (justly), [they] are magical and are meant to punish the object of the unrequited love” (Schwartz, “Engraved gems”).  

CATALOGUE

Nicomedia / Maximus Caesar

Reference: RPC VI, 3477*

Rarity: R