Nabataean? Judean?

[Paul B4]

Looks like the bottom of a bust on the badly miss-struck obverse.
Double/crossed cornucopias.
Caduceus between?  I don't see wings.
Prutah
Identification help appreciated.

[Aarmale]

Certainly Nabataean.

There is a ש to the left of the cornucopiae. I think it's probably Meshorer 118.

[Paul B4]

Thank you, Aarmale.
Why is it "certainly Nabataean"? 
I'm just trying to learn.

[Aarmale]

Thank you, Aarmale.
Why is it "certainly Nabataean"? 
I'm just trying to learn.

It's a good question, don't worry.

I base the attribution on:

• 1. Stylistic grounds. You get familiar with the fabric after seeing many Nabataean bronzes. Judaean prutot (though not all types) are on bevelled flans as well.
• 2. Iconographic grounds. The cornucopiae in this style is typical of Nabataean coins.  Judaean cornucopiae don't cross at the bottom.
• 3. Epigraphic grounds. This is the big giveaway: the Nabataean letter ש appears to the left of the cornucopiae. It even looks like a Nabataean letter ח appears on the right too.  These letters in particular are common on Nabataean coins, and are unique to Nabataean coins, as far as I know.

[Paul B4]

Thank you again, Aarmale.
Where can I find the Nabataean alphabet?

[Aarmale]

Just click on the hyperlink that appears when you write "Nabataean Alphabet." It takes you to the Numiswiki page for that topic: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=nabataean%20alphabet

[Paul B4]

Thank you.