— booteen (@booteen1) February 20, 2022
Roman Booteen is a Russian artist who specializes in carving images into coins. In past years, we've shown some of his works. Since then, he's really stepped up his game. This symbol-laden coin shares the story of Lilith, a figure in Jewish folklore. A counterpart to Eve, she converses with the serpent at the Wood of Life (Lignum Vitae). When a tiny button on the edge of the coin is pushed, Lilith moves her leg and a key pops out of the tree.
I can't tell what is written beneath the key when it falls out. Can you?
-via Massimo
It's based on the passage from Isaiah 34:14 in the 5th century Latin / Vulgate Bible, which states "Ibi cubavit lamia et invenit sibi requiem."
Lamia (of ancient Greek mythology), here instead referencing Lilith, the Mesopotamian and Judaic figure seen as the first wife of Adam, is frequently translated to the screech owl, night monster, or demoness of the night, a she-beast.
The full translation would be something like: A night monster lived (lain) here and finds herself a place of rest (or peace for herself).
Here being a tomb in this context. Interpretations include: That she escaped out into the larger world, that she was destroyed by God and is no longer dwelling there, or the creature returned at dawn and the cross has confined her eternally to the crypt.
She's depicted in the coin in Eden, under the tree (or in this case, hidden key) of knowledge, conversing with the serpent, as bolts of lightning come down from on high.
The banner in the tree reads lignum vitae, or wood of life.