LYDIA. Blaundus. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Assarion (Bronze, 17 mm, 4.77 g, 12 h), time of the Antonines, circa 138-192. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev. ΒΛΑΥΝΔЄΩΝ Eagle standing front on two bones, wings spread and head turned to left. GRPC Lydia 54 var. (eagle holding wreath). RPC IV.2 online 1191 var. (eagle holding wreath). An apparently unpublished variety, and of excellent style. Light adjustment marks and with very minor traces of corrosion and deposits, otherwise, about extremely fine.

This unpublished coin from Blaundus combines two distinct iconographic traditions of Herakles: the bearded, bare-headed mature Herakles and the youthful Alexander-Herakles wearing the lion-skin headdress. The result is an unusual hybrid image of a mature, bearded Herakles wearing the lion skin