ARABIA FELIX. Himyarites. 'Amdan Bayyin (ca. 1st century AD). AR scyphate drachm (14mm, 2h). NGC AU. Raidan mint. Head of male right, monogram in the form of a trident behind / Small male head with Himyarite legend around, scepter symbol to right. GIC 5718. Munro-Hay 3.4i. The holder notes that this coin is possibly a Sabaean issue. 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 Sabaeans, 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. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website