KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Prusias II Cynegos. 182-149 B.C. Æ. 4.03 gm. 19.5 mm. Nikomedeia mint. Wreathed head of Dionysos right / The centaur Cheiron walking right, cloak over shoulder, playing kithara; monogram between forelegs; BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠΡΟYΣIOY. HGC 7, 629. RG 26. Good Very Fine; rich glossy dark green patina with red earthen highlights; adjustment marks as made in flan (also patinated and highlighted). Fine Hellenistic style.

The Centaur Cheiron, the wisest and most just of the half man-half horse creatures from Greek mythology, was adopted and protected by the god Apollo. He was the teacher of Aesclepius, the famous healer and father of medicine, and upon his death was immortalized in the heavens as the constellation Sagittarius.