Ave!

Roman Republic, M. Aemilius Scaurus, P. Plautius Hypsaeus, Denarius, Subjugation of Nabataean Kingdom!

AR; 18mm/3.8gm Rome Mint - 58 BC

Con/ Struck off-centered as typical, circulated, with two banker's marks on the obverse, otherwise, Good Fine.

Obv/ M·SCAVR / AED CVR; King Aretas III, robed and cloaked, kneeling right, holding olive branch and reins of camel standing beside him; on either side, EX – [S·C]. In exergue, [REX ARETAS] off flan

Rev/ P·HVPSAE / AED CVR Jupiter in quadriga left. holding reins in left hand and hurling thunderbolt with right hand. Below, scorpion. Behind off flan, [CAPTV]. Below, C HVPSAE COS / PREIVE.

Ref/ Crawford 422 1b

Seller's Note/ Low priced for this ever-popular issue by republican collectors!

During the reign of Aretas III (87 to 62 BC) the Nabataean kingdom seems to have reached its territorial zenith; it was defeated by a Roman army under the command of Marcus Aemilius Scaurus. Scaurus's army even besieged Petra; eventually a compromise was negotiated. Paying a tribute, Aretas III received formal recognition by the Roman Republic.