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Taras, Calabria
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240/35-212 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.28g)
O: Scallop shell with five teeth.
R: Winged Eros riding dolphin left, holding kantharos; ΦI(?) below.
Vlasto 1606-07; SNG France 2181
Rare
ex Aphrodite Coins
The appearance of Eros on the coinage of Taras is very unusual, and this coin may be the only such example. However His cult was popular in the polis and Eros' image appears on many vase paintings and votives, often riding a dolphin. These images are known as early as the 5th century BC, but become more common towards the Roman era. The origins of this cult can certainly be traced to the mother city of Sparta, where Aphrodite was venerated.
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![Taras, Calabria
240/35-212 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.28g)
O: Scallop shell with five teeth.
R: Winged Eros riding dolphin left, holding kantharos; ΦI(?) below.
Vlasto 1606-07; SNG France 2181
Rare
ex Aphrodite Coins
[i]The appearance of Eros on the coinage of Taras is very unusual, and this coin may be the only such example. However His cult was popular in the polis and Eros' image appears on many vase paintings and votives, often riding a dolphin. These images are known as early as the 5th century BC, but become more common towards the Roman era. The origins of this cult can certainly be traced to the mother city of Sparta, where Aphrodite was venerated.[/i]](albums/userpics/21312/4019839_1681459492_l~3~0.jpg "Taras, Calabria
240/35-212 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.28g)
O: Scallop shell with five teeth.
R: Winged Eros riding dolphin left, holding kantharos; ΦI(?) below.
Vlasto 1606-07; SNG France 2181
Rare
ex Aphrodite Coins
[i]The appearance of Eros on the coinage of Taras is very unusual, and this coin may be the only such example. However His cult was popular in the polis and Eros' image appears on many vase paintings and votives, often riding a dolphin. These images are known as early as the 5th century BC, but become more common towards the Roman era. The origins of this cult can certainly be traced to the mother city of Sparta, where Aphrodite was venerated.[/i]")
