The Sabaean people occupied the relatively fertile land in Southern Arabia referred to as the kingdom of Sheba: Famous for their wealth and commerce the Sabaeans established a vigorous trade with Greece and were thus familiar with their money. Using the famous Athenian tetradrachm as a model, they fashioned a version of the goddess Athena on their own coinage. This fascinating coin depicts the goddess wearing a helmet with olive-leaves, composed of beautiful swirling spirals and curly-cues. She also appears to be wearing a dangling earring, perhaps in the fashion of Sabaean women. Though Greek in its basic style, the unique character of an intriguing kingdom is evident in this lovely coin.