A Rare Nabatean Coin Type

Abstract

A bronze coin issued by the Nabatean usurper Syllaios (c. 9–6 BCE) depicts King Obodas II on the obverse, as can be learned from the Nabatean letter accompanying his bust. The reverse depicts a bust with Roman hairstyle and Roman armor. Although the name Syllaios appears on this side, it is more likely that the bust is that of Emperor Augustus. The irregular flan form suggests a provenance from a mint other than Petra.