Unique Hemidrachm without Royal Monogram

CNG 100, Lot: 1589. Estimate $500. Sold for $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARABIA, Southern. Qataban. Unknown ruler(s). Circa 350-320/00 BC. AR gms – Hemidrachm (12mm, 2.56 g, 9h). Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right; Γ (mark of value) on cheek / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; all within incuse square. Van Alfen, Studies, Type QIV.A var. (royal Qatabanian monogram on rev.); CAF 1.0aii var. (same); Huth –; HGC 10, –. EF, toned, traces of find patina, some roughness. Unpublished and apparently unique hemidrachm without royal monogram on reverse.

This is apparently the first known hemidrachm without the royal Qatabanian monogram appearing in the field to the right of the owl, but this variety is known for tetradrachms, didrachms, and drachms. Thus, the appearance of a hemidrachm of this variety is not surprising.