Laureate head of Aretas right / Veiled and diademed head of Huldu right. Struck circa 9/8 BC. 10mm, 0.77 grams. Petra mint. CN 98; cf. Meshorer, Nabataea 121.

Nabataea was an ancient Arab kingdom centred on Petra, flourishing from about the 3rd century BCE until its annexation by Rome in 106 CE. Its prosperity was based largely on controlling important caravan routes carrying incense, spices and other luxury goods between Arabia, the Mediterranean and the Near East. Nabataean rulers, particularly Aretas IV (9 BCE–40 CE), presided over a highly developed kingdom distinguished by monumental rock-cut architecture, sophisticated water management and a distinctive coinage combining Hellenistic and Arabian traditions.