Arabia, Himyarites Drachm 1st century BC

*This coin comes with certificate of authenticity*


Ancients Oriental
ARABIA FELIX. Himyarites. 'Amdan Bayyin (ca. 1st century AD). AR scyphate drachm (17mm, 3.06 gm, 1h).

Diademed head of male left; vertical spear behind, curved sign before; dotted border / Bucranium facing, plumes between long horns, monogram to left, curved open ribbon to right; degraded amphora border. SNG ANS 1521. Good Very Fine.

The Himyarites came to power from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD in the land we recognize today as Yemen. Renowned for their expertise in agriculture, they built on the foundation laid by the Sabeans, their predecessors in the region. The Sabaeans made their mark with a robust irrigation system, which enabled the cultivation of lucrative goods like frankincense and myrrh. This infrastructure paved the way for the Himyarites' prosperity. Under 'Amdan Bayyin, the Himyarites established peaceful relations with neighboring territories and strengthened the trade routes originally established by the Sabaeans. The legacy of the Himyarites is embedded in their distinct coinage, including the scyphate drachm. This cup-shaped coin showcases a clearly-engraved bucranium, an ox skull symbol thought to have religious significance, possibly a nod to the agricultural roots of their society.


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