Once upon a time in the ancient city of Petra, nestled between the Arabian and Sinai Peninsulas, the Nabataeans thrived as nomads-turned-traders. At the heart of their power was Raqmu, better known to us as Petra, a city with sandstone wonders and secrets hidden in its very rocks.

In the year AD 16, during the 25th year of Aretas IV's reign, a coin was minted with care, its original green earthen desert patina giving it an aura of antiquity. This was no ordinary coin; it bore the image of Queen Shuqailat, the second wife of Aretas IV. Scholars believed it was struck immediately...