Yemeni Bedouin silver Maria Theresa thaler coin pendant
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid-20th century CE
This piece is a traditional Bedouin silver pendant originating from Yemen, dating to the mid-20th century. The centerpiece is an Austrian Maria Theresa thaler, a silver coin first minted in 1741 that served as official trade currency in the Middle East and Africa for nearly two centuries.
The pendant design features the coin's obverse, which displays the profile of Maria Theresa facing right, surrounded by text, while the reverse is characterized by the Austrian eagle coat of arms. The coin is decorated with elaborate silver chains and suspended bells, a hallmark of Yemeni jewelry often crafted by Jewish silversmiths. Such items were worn by Bedouin women as status symbols, with the bells believed to offer spiritual protection and announce the wearer's presence.
Measuring 4.5 inches in length and 2.75 inches in width, the pendant has a weight of 76.7 grams. The silver quality ranges from 80.74% to 94.89%. The piece exhibits age-appropriate toning, patina, and slight surface rubbing to the coin's imagery. One bell is missing from the assembly.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 76.7 grams
- Material
- silver
- Dimensions
- 4.5" L x 2.75" W (11.4 cm x 7 cm)
- Silver purity
- 80.74% to 94.89%
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- Maria Theresa thaler
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Maria Theresa facing right with surrounding text
- Reverse
- Eagle coat of arms and inscription
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.