Nezana/Nezool, circa 480s-500. Chrysos (Gold, 19 mm, 1.65 g, 12 h). HЄZAHΛ BACCΛЄYC 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; above, cross.
Rev. NЄZANA BACCΛЄΥC 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, 38a (
this coin cited). Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 51.1 = Vaccaro 46 = Phaidra 1190126 (
this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 77 (
this coin cited). An extremely rare hybrid issue, just seven examples recorded by Hahn & Keck. Struck from slightly worn dies and with a flan crack
, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, the Maekelay-Tigray Collection, Roma XXII, 7 October 2021, 56, and from the collection of Francesco Vaccaro (1903-1990).