NABATAEA. Syllaios. Usurper, circa 9-6 BC. AR Quarter Sela’ (10.5mm, 1.07 g, 1h). Petra mint.

CNG Feature Auction 120
Lot: 487. Estimated: $ 300

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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NABATAEA. Syllaios. Usurper, circa 9-6 BC. AR Quarter Sela’ (10.5mm, 1.07 g, 1h). Petra mint. Diademed head of Obodas II right / Aramaic shin (Syllaios) and ḥēth (Aretas) within wreath. Barkay, Usurper 4; CN 72; Meshorer, Nabataea, Sup 4. Toned, light earthen deposits. Near EF. Well centered and struck. Rare in this condition.

Describing Obodas II’s chief minister Syllaios, the historian Josephus writes “for the most part his [Obodas’] realm was governed by Syllaios, who was a clever man, still young in years and handsome.” (Antiquitates Judaicae, XVI, 220) On the death of Obadas, Syllaios, likely positioning himself to become king, took control alongside Aretas IV, Obodas’ son and intended successor. Within months he was brought to Rome, found guilty of murdering Obodas, and cast from the Tarpeian rock.

The final winners of all CNG 120 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 11-12 May 2022. CNG 120 – Session Two – Greek Coinage (Part 2) through Roman Provincial Coinage will be held Wednesday afternoon, 11 May 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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