A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon a small group of Nabataean silver drachms being posted on ebay and each one was listed at very reasonable prices. With some negotiating, I picked up the 3 below. The Rabbel II, with Gamilat is also an upgrade to one I previously had. Thanks to @John Anthony for attributing the years on a few of them. Nabataean Kingdom AR Drachm O: Laureate and draped bust of Aretas right. RY30? (21 A.D.) R: Veiled and draped bust of Shuqailat right; date at end of legend to left. Petra Mint 4.2g 14mm Meshorer, Nabataea 100 Malichos II, with Shaqilat (40 - 70 A.D.) Nabataean Kingdom AR Drachm O: Laureate and draped bust of Malichus right. R: Veiled and draped bust of Shaqilat right. Petra Mint 3.6g 15mm Rabbel II, with Gamilat (70/1 - 105/9 A.D.) Nabataean Kingdom AR Drachm O: Laureate and draped bust of Rabbel II right; (RY 17). R: Veiled and draped bust of Gamilat right. Petra Mint 3.4g 14mm Meshorer, Nabataea 149–51
Nice coins. The 3rd is my favorite. I like the portraits on them. I know nothing about Nabatean coins so thanks for sharing!
I am in the same boat. I do not remember seeing Nabataean silver coins. (I think this name wins the record for most A's in a 9 letter name.) Am I missing something? I see 3 heads and only 2 names. Is this because the the Obv is Aretas IV and the Rev is Aretas IV with Shaqilat? I like the handlebar mustache on Aretas! Reminds me of Joe Namath and a few other guys from my youth. Joe Namath was paid $10,000 to shave off his famous mustache in a TV commercial. Which would lead to a commercial with Farrah Fawcett.
I got interested in Nabataean coins when I visted Jordan a couple of years ago. At the famous sites like Petra locals sell Nabataean coins in large quantities. It is however illegal to buy and sell them, also what they are offering is of poor quality. The good pieces go to dealers in Amman. I bought a few coins in Amman and some more later in regular auctions. What is interesting, most people in Jordan look like "normal" Arabs, but than there are people that are of darker skin, more graziel built and the men often have long hair. These people are said to be the descendants of the Nabataeans. In any case, Jordan is breathtaking with sites like Petra and Wadi. Here are a few of the silver coins from my collection: Rabbel and Gamilat Malichos II and Shaqilath Aretas IV and Shaqilath Obodas III
Nice set, I think I got one from same source . I like the year 17 Rabbel, there are only 4 known according to Rachel Barkay. Wow, not often they are seen in this condition. This one is actually rare early Aretas rather than Obodas.
these are kool coins...here's JA and i's Trajan overstrike on a Rabbel ll coin ..you can see the Nabatean letters still left on the rim ...(excuse the early photo)
Thank you guys for sharing, not often this interesting topic comes to light. Here are couple of my favorites of these drachms: Malichus, dated year 25. Suggested to be struck to pay the army - Nabataeans participated in Jewish War on Roman side. Rabbel II, dated year 19.
