AXUM. Joel, circa 590s-after 610. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.50 g, 1 h). ΒΑCΙΛΙ ΑξⲰMI Draped bust of Joel to right, wearing tiara; to left and right, ears of barley; all within segmented circular border. Rev. +Ι+Ⲱ+Η+Λ Draped bust of Joel to right, wearing head cloth; to left and right, ears of barley; all within segmented circular border. BMC Axum 446 and pl. 15, 85.1. MAKS 85. Munro-Hay AC, type 128. Extremely rare, one of only five known gold coins of this king. Faint scratches and minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.
The gold coins of Joel are of the highest rarity, with Hahn and Keck only recording four examples in total in their recently published 'Münzgeschichte der Akßumitenkönige in der Spätantike'. This makes our piece the fifth Chrysos of Joel known