53, Lot: 33. Estimate $200. Sold for $140. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NABATAEA, Obodas III. 30-9 BC. AR Drachm or Denarius (4.54 gm). Jugate busts of Obodas and his queen / Diademed bust of Obodas; year off flan. Meshorer 28. Good VF, reverse off-center. ($200)

As befitting their place astride the trade routes between east and west, the Nabataeans strove to accomodate the various peoples they dealt with on a constant basis. The silver coins of Obodas are the size and weight of an Attic drachm, but analysis of the silver content shows that it is equivalent in value to the Roman denarius.