Lydia, Maeonia. Pseudo-autonomous, uncertain. AE. (Bronze, 3.55 g. 18 mm.)

Lydia, Maeonia. Pseudo-autonomous, uncertain. AE. (Bronze, 3.55 g. 18 mm.)
Obv: Head of bearded Heracles, l.
Rev: ΜΑΙΟΝΩΝ. Omphale advancing, r., wearing lion skin, carrying club over shoulder.
Ref: Hochard 1303; SNG Turkey 7, 388; RPC Online, 2428A.

The Lydian queen Omphale bought the Heracles from the god Hermes, who sold him following an oracle which declared that Heracles must be sold into slavery for three years. During his enslavement, Herakles and Omphale inverted their gender roles: Herakles was to do what was traditionally women’s work and wear women’s clothing. Meanwhile, Omphale wore his Nemean lion skin and headdress and carried his club. This coin depicts Omphale in the lion’s skin, with the club of Herakles on her shoulder.

Year: Uncertain date.
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 3.55 g
Material: Bronze