Catalog
| Issuer | Qatabanian Kingdom (Southern Arabia) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1-201 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Unit |
| Currency | Drachm (ca. 400 BC – 100 AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.62 g |
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | BMC Greek#p75.1.A , Huth#382-4 |
| Obverse description | Bare male head right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Bearded head right, king`s name in Qatabanian above, `oblong symbol` (of ‘Anbi) to right, monogram to left, mint name in Qatabanian below |
| Reverse script | Ancient South Arabian |
| Reverse lettering |
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? (Translation: Yad`ab Yanaf [Mint name]) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1-201) - 1st-2nd Centuries AD - |
| Numisquare ID | 5344215340 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Yad'ab Yanaf, King of Qataban, ruled during a period (likely 1st-2nd century BCE) when the kingdom was a dominant power in ancient Southern Arabia. Centered at Timna, Qataban controlled vital segments of the lucrative incense trade routes, connecting the frankincense and myrrh producing regions with markets in the Mediterranean and Near East. This AR 1/2 unit reflects the kingdom's economic prowess and its ruler's authority, facilitating commerce within its sphere of influence across the Arabian Peninsula.
Artistry: The engraver of this piece remains anonymous, typical for ancient Arabian coinage. Stylistically, Qatabanian issues often blend indigenous traditions with Hellenistic influences, particularly evident in portraiture. The obverse likely features a stylized male head, perhaps representing the king or a local deity, rendered with distinctive facial features and elaborate hair or headwear. The reverse typically displays a local emblem such as a bull's head, a tribal monogram, or an owl, symbolizing the kingdom's identity and power.
Technical/Grading: This silver 1/2 unit, weighing 1.62 grams and measuring 15.5 millimeters, often exhibits an irregular flan shape and variable strike quality. High-points susceptible to wear include the prominent features of the obverse portrait, such as the nose, cheekbones, and hair, or the horns and eyes on a reverse animal motif. Typical examples may show some degree of off-centering or a slightly weak strike, particularly on the edges, reflecting the minting techniques of the period.