Waxeba (Axum), Copper, Coin (Uncertain Value), Uncertain Mint, circa 340-circa 400
Obverse
Bust of the king draped facing right and wearing head cloth with naps at the forehead and rounded ribbon falling behind “earring.” Surrounded by two ears of grain.
OYΛΗΒCΒΙΛY
Reverse
Draped bust, as on obverse, but smaller, enclosed in a circle, and with gilt central background.
OTCΛPΕΣHTHXPA
Obverse
Bust of the king draped facing right and wearing head cloth with naps at the forehead and rounded ribbon falling behind “earring.” Surrounded by two ears of grain.
OYΛΗΒCΒΙΛY
Reverse
Draped bust, as on obverse, but smaller, enclosed in a circle, and with gilt central background.
OTCΛPΕΣHTHXPA
| Accession number | BZC.2009.014 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Waxeba (Axum) |
| Metal | Copper |
| Denomination | Coin (Uncertain Value) |
| Mint | Uncertain Mint |
| Date | circa 340 – circa 400 |
| Diameter | 17.0 mm |
| Weight | 2.27 g |
| Relation of Dies | 11:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
From the Füeg Collection, Stack's NYC sale, 12 January 2009, lot 3412, ex Dix Noonan Webb sale 9, April 2008, lot 505.
Commentary
The reverse inscription reads, “May this please the country.”
W. Hahn, “Aksumite Numismatics: A Critical Survey of Recent Research,” 311, no. 72.
S. C. Munro-Hay, The Coinage of Aksum, 91.