There was a myth that Hylas, one of the companions of Heracles on the voyage to Colchis, was carried off by the nymphs when he went to get water here; and another that Cius, another companion of Heracles, on his return from Colchis, stayed here and founded the city, to which he gave his name. Hylas and nymphs from a mosaic in Roman Gaul (3rd century) Located at the head of the Propontis, in Kios, Bithynia or Cius; sacked and renamed Prusias ad Mare by King Prusias I in 202 BC, but renamed back to Kios under the Romans. BITHYNIA, KIOS AR Hemidrachm OBVERSE: Laureate head of Apollo right REVERSE: ΓPOΞ – ENOΣ; Ship’s prow left, ornamented with star Proxenos, magistrate Struck at Kios 350-300 BC 2.4g, 15mm SNG Cop 373 Ex JAZ Numismatics
Nice hemidrachm @Bing. It’s quite an achievement to be able to capture the iridescent toning on pictures!
I believe this is the only Kios that I have. I got it because it features Mithra. Bithynia Kios 250 BCE AE11 1.06g Obv: Laureate hd Mithra r Rev: Kantharos 2 grape bunches hanging K-I below within a wreath Ref: SNG Cop 382