Drachm - Obodas III

Obodas III ruled the Nabataean Kingdom in name while his vizier Syllaeus held effective power — a political arrangement that generated enough tension to reach Augustus himself, who ultimately sided against Syllaeus after a disastrous Arabian campaign in 25–24 BC that Syllaeus had deliberately sabotaged. Coins of Obodas III are consequently rare; his reign lasted only from around 30 to 9 BC, and the political instability surrounding his court likely disrupted regular mint output.

He died under circumstances suspicious enough that Syllaeus was accused of poisoning him.