Authentic Rome - AE Bronze - Eros/ Cupid - Circa 138-129 BCE
$975
Mint: Seleucid Kingdom
Denomination: Unknown
Date: 138 – 129 BCE
Composition: AE Bronze
Weight: 4.84 gm
Grade: Ungraded
Mount: Sterling Silver w/ 14k Gold Prongs & Bale
Description: AE Bronze – Seleukid Kingdom. Obverse: Bust of winged Eros right. Reverse: Nike standing left holding a wreath
History: Eros is the ancient Greek god of love, desire, and procreation, often identified with his Roman counterpart, Cupid. He is typically depicted as a winged youth or child, armed with a bow and arrows that spark desire in mortals and gods alike. Associated with the primordial force of love, he is also considered the son of Aphrodite. In early myths, Eros/Cupid is a primordial deity, while later traditions portray him as the son of Aphrodite and Ares. He is famously associated with the myth of Eros and Psyche. He is commonly portrayed with a bow and arrows, a torch, or wings. He represents intense desire, sexual attraction, and passion. In psychoanalytic theory, "Eros" refers to the life instinct, or the libido. This is a rare coin from the ancient Greek Seleucid Kingdom. This coin was minted during the reign of Antiochus VIII from 138-129 BC. It is a great addition to any coin collection, especially for those interested in ancient history. In his nine-year reign, Antiochus VII made effort to undo the massive territorial and authority losses of recent decades. Antiochus defeated the usurper Diodotus Tryphon at Dora and laid siege to Jerusalem in 134 BC. During the siege he allowed a seven-day truce for the Jews to celebrate a religious festival, impressing the Jewish leadership. According to Josephus the Hasmonean leader John Hyrcanus opened King David's sepulcher and removed three thousand talents, which he then paid Antiochus to spare the city. Nevertheless, King Antiochus' respectful treatment of the Jews, and respect for their religion, earned him their gratitude and added name Euergetes ("the Benefactor").
Eros
