Finest of Three Known
CNG 96, Lot: 584. Estimate $150. Sold for $475. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. |
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ARABIA, Southern. Saba'. Late 4th–mid 2nd centuries BC. AR
tmrt – Quarter Unit (10mm, 1.19 g, 6h). Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right, X (
t in South Arabian [mark of value]) on cheek / Owl standing right, head facing;
ynf in monogram form to left,
s1mh‘ly (in cursive South Arabian) above, Royal emblem of Saba’ to right (“Mukarrib monogram”). Van Alfen,
Studies, Series SIV.C.12, 314 var. (unlisted dies); CAF 1.7iii; Huth,
Athenian, Type 46; Huth –; HGC 10, –. VF, toned, a little rough, small delamination on reverse. Extremely rare, the third and finest known (one is in BN; cf. Gorny & Mosch 170, lot 1522 for the second).