Type 44: Eros with a Standing Figure of Dionysus

An unusual type from Docimeium in Phrygia, described in Imhoof-Blumer (Kleinasiatische Münzen, p.224, see also Plate VII, 20): Dionysus stands facing, head r., his r. leg resting on a rock (?) and covered by a chlamys, holding a thyrsus in his r. hand; his l. hand rests on the shoulder of an Eros, who is moving r. but looking back at the god; to the l. is a tiny naked figure (a satyr?) running l. with outstretched arm; behind Dionysus is a horned Pan, holding a pedum. As Imhoof-Blumer points out, all that is missing is the object of the god's interest, Ariadne!

* Docimeium in Phrygia, coins of Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus (not illustrated), and Diadumenian Caesar (not illustrated).

 

 

Æ 31, 6 h, 17.22 g. Obv. AY KAI M AY ANTΩNEINOC. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius r. Rev. ΔOKIMEΩN MAKEΔONΩN. As described above. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* On this clay seal impression (bulla), Dionysus is accompanied by a frisky Eros holding a long thyrsus. (The authenticity of these red clay seals has sometimes been questioned.)

CATALOGUE

Docimeium / Marcus Aurelius
Reference: RPC IV, 2, 25158*
Rarity: RRR 

 

Docimeium / Lucius Verus
Reference: RPC IV, 2, 25446*
Rarity: RRR  

 

Docimeium / Diadumenian Caesar
Reference: Imhoof-Blumer, Kleinasiatische Münzen, 10
Rarity: RRR