© JM
© JM
Æ13 - Aretas IV and Phasaelis 6 BC - 18 AD
| Bronze | 2.54 g | 13 mm |
| Issuer | Nabataean Kingdom (Northern Arabia) |
|---|---|
| King | Aretas IV (9 BC - 40 AD) |
| Princess | Phasaelis (4 BC - 23 AD) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 6 BC - 18 AD |
| Currency | Shekel |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.54 g |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Thickness | 2.9 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#323660 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Two crossed cornucopiae, Nabataean letters (Fa and Sad) in centre.
Script: Nabataean
Lettering: פצ
Comment
Obverse letter (Ha/Heth, or ח in Hebrew) would be a reference to the king's name in Nabataean while reverse letters (Fa and Sad, or פצ in Hebrew) are usually thought to be an abreviation for the name Phasa'el, the daughter of Aretas IV.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of ancient Arabian and Greek influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts King Aretas IV and his son Phasaelis, while the reverse side features a rendition of the Greek goddess Athena, highlighting the cultural exchange and fusion that occurred during the Nabataean Kingdom's period of Greek influence.
