Ouzebas, late 4th-early 5th century. Multiple Lepton (Gilt Bronze, 16 mm, 2.68 g, 11 h). ✠OYΛZHCΛC CΛCIΛEΥC Draped bust of Ouzebas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring; to left and right, ears of barley. Rev. ΤΟΥΤΟ ΑΡ✠CCH TH XⲰΡΑ Draped bust of Ouzebas (or Ezanas?) to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, within shallow round incuse inlaid in gold within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 26a (this coin cited). Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 37(a) (this coin cited). Munro-Hay, AC, 54 (this coin cited). Vaccaro 29 (this coin). Nearly very fine.


This is the first Axumite bronze issue to be partially gilded. Hahn & Keck (MAKS, p. 89) have suggested that the bust on the reverse may represent the deified/canonized Ezanas, as this is the only royal bust set on a gilt background after the introduction of Christianity. By underlining Ezanas' sacred status, Ouzebas, perhaps a brother of the latter, could enhance his own legitimacy and prestige.