Unrecognized Subtype

399, Lot: 265. Estimate $200. Sold for $160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARABIA, Southern. Saba'. Late 4th–mid 2nd centuries BC. AR nṣf – Unit (13.5mm, 4.73 g, 7h). Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right; N (in retrograde South Arabian; mark of value) on cheek / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, pellet to right; all within incuse square. Van Alfen, Studies, SII.B.36, 229 corr. (O1/R1; pellet not noted [see also Van Alfen no. 100]); CAF 1.1 variety, pl. I, 6 and pl. LII, 48 (same); HGC 10, 720 var. (same). Near EF, lightly toned. Very rare, apparently only two examples published.

From the Howard Simmons Collection of South Arabian Coinage.

This subtype with a pellet symbol is likely associated with Van Alfen subtype SII.B.1, which is the only other subtype with a basic figural symbol, rather than monogram-like symbol, in the field.