Philopatris 9 BC - 40 AD Petra Mint 5/4 BC Obv. Laureate head of Aretas IV right Rev. Two cornucopias parallel right With palm branch issuing below
This type was struck to commemorate the birth of Aretas IV's son Phasael. Under the double cornucopias are the Nabataean letters FS.
Martin Huth's article in the book "Coinage of the Caravan Kingdoms" (published by ANS in 2010), includes arguments that led him to reasonable certainty that these coin types with the 2-letter name abbreviation of 'FS' refer not to Aretas IV's son -- but rather to a daughter. The description in this recent CNG auction (less than 3 months ago) of a similar type has followed suit with the daughter theory. https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/...135mm-207-g-12h-petra-mint-struck-circa-54-bc
I just like the coin, for some known reason. It’s one of those coins that’s calling my name when I look at it. Ever have that happen? When that happens to me I buy the coin.
I've been trying to find a reasonably-priced copy of that book for some time. I'm not at all happy with CNG for printing so few copies that booksellers think they can charge $700 to $1000 for it.
Here's another type that commemorates a family event, the marriage of Aretas IV to his second wife, Shuqailat... Nabataea: Aretas IV Philopatris, 9 BC - AD 40 AE 15, 1.9g, 12h; Petra Mint, 25/26 CE Obv.: Aretas IV, laureate, standing to front as soldier, looking left, holding spear (?) in right hand, supporting with left, sword in scabbard; in field on left, palm branch, on right monogram no. 4. Rev.: Shuqailat standing left, veiled, wearing long chiton, raising right hand with palm extended; in field on left, wreath, on right in three lines inscription שק/ל/ת (Shuqa/ila/t) Meshorer 97, SNG ANS 6 1435
These small coins (a smaller denomination than the crossed cornucopiae) must have bee minted in enormous, industrial quantities, and probably during several years after Aretas and Shuqailat's wedding. They are found in large quantities in Hegra (Mada'in Salih, Saudi Arabia).
Collecting Nut, thanks for posting this coin and starting this thread. I am not an ancients collector but enjoy reading posts on them. This thread particularly spoke to me as my wife and I visited Petra over 4 years ago androde camels and mules way into the the backside of the Petra caves and exited out the back side. I was offered a number of ancients but only bought one small piece and was later gifted another small coin. As I toured that place, i kept thinking 'what a great place for a 'mint''.
