Nezana/Nezool, circa 480s-500. Chrysos (Gold, 17 mm, 1.63 g, 11 h), anonymous type. ✠CΛΧ✠ΛCΛ✠CΛC✠CNI Draped half-length bust of Nezana/Nezool to right, wearing tiara and circular earring, holding spear in his right hand and with bracelets on his right arm; to left and right, ears of barley, the right one with I across.
Rev. ✠CΛC✠CΥN✠CΛX✠ΛCΛ Draped half-length bust of Nezana/Nezool to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, holding branch in his right hand and with bracelets on his right arm; to left and right, ears of barley; above, cross. Hahn, Aksumite, 39b (
this coin cited). Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 48.1 = Vaccaro 36 = Phaidra 1190114 (
this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 81 (
this coin cited). Extremely rare, just six examples recorded by Hahn & Keck. Struck from somewhat worn dies and with minor deposits
, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, the Maekelay-Tigray Collection, Roma XXII, 7 October 2021, 55, and from the collection of Francesco Vaccaro (1903-1990).