Himyarite Kingdom (Modern day Yemen) Silver Coin

The Himyarite Kingdom was part of ancient Yemen, whose capital was Zatar. They were a trading nation between East Africa and the Roman or Mediterranean world. They were known for their trade-in Frankincense and Myrrh and their geographical position made them very important for trade. This choice silver coin is a Scyphate Quinarius from the 1st or 2nd Century AD, so it is about 1800-1900 years old and was struck in Raidan. There is a portrait of a man on one side and a small portrait of a man on the other side. These coins are basically in as struck Mint condition, cup-shaped. We did find a similar coin on an American dealer list about two years ago. It was priced at $195.00 (£150) and had sold quite quickly. Our coins are as nice or better, but our price is far more attractive.