Ousanas II, early 6th century. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.63 g, 12 h). ✠OYC∀Ϟ∀C BACIΛЄΥC Draped half-length bust of Ousanas II to right, wearing tiara and circular earring, holding spear in his right hand and with bracelets on his right arm; to inner left, ከ; to left and right, ears of barley; all within circular border.
Rev. ✠ΘЄΟΥ ЄΥΧAΡICTI∀ Draped half-length bust of Ousanas II 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 head cloth, pellet; all within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 37b (
this coin cited). Hahn & Keck, MAKS, pl. 9, 58.2 = Vaccaro 43 (
this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 87 (
this coin cited). Extremely rare, just five examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only two are in private hands. A beautifully preserved and very well pedigreed piece. Struck from slightly worn dies
, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, privately acquired from Athena Numismatics in July 2018, and from the collections of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams, Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015, 329, Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesman, Spink 1239, 13 July 2000, 936 and Francesco Vaccaro (1903-1990), Sternberg XVIII, 20 November 1986, 241.