IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 387-326 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.52 g).

Triton XXIII – Session Two – Greek Coinage Part II through Roman Imperial Coinage Part I
Lot: 379. Estimated: $ 750

Greek, Electrum

Sold For $ 1 400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 387-326 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.52 g). Head of Omphale left, wearing lion skin; club behind neck; below, small seal left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 107.9 (this coin); SNG von Aulock 2133; Boston MFA 1917. Toned. Good VF.

From the Weise Collection. Ex New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 201; Numismatic Fine Arts II (25 March 1976), lot 222; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 350 (October 1973), no. 16.

In expiation for his murder of Iphitos at Tiryns, Herakles was ordered by the Delphic oracle to serve Omphale, the queen of Lydia, for one year. During this time, he performed a number of labors, similar to those which he undertook while serving Eurystheus, including the capture of the Kerkopes, the killing of the Syleus, and the conquest of the city of the Itones. At the same time, he was forced to wear women’s clothing and spin wool and, according to the poet Ovid (Fasti 2.305), at one point during this time Omphale even wore Herakles’ lion skin and carried his club while ordering him about. However, these actions seemed to have little ill-effect on the hero; after his year’s service was completed, Herakles married Omphale.

The final winners of all Triton XXIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2020. Triton XXIII – Session Two – Greek Coinage Part II through Roman Imperial Coinage Part I will be held Tuesday afternoon, 14 January 2020 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and in person at the public auction, 22.50% for all others.