Ezanas, circa 345-380. 3 Argyroi (Gilt Silver, 13 mm, 0.97 g, 12 h), Christian types, circa 359/60-380. HZA-NAC Draped bust of Ezanas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within double linear circle; above, gilt disk set on slanted cross. Rev. ΒΑCI-ΛЄΥC Draped bust of Ezanas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within linear circle within thick circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 22a. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, pl. 4, 34.44 (this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 43. Very rare and unusually attractive. Edge chips and with a flan crack, otherwise, very fine.



The unusual symbol on the obverse of this coin likely represents a solar symbol, not in the pagan sense, but as a solar halo of the kind seen by Constantine the Great before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. A similar phenomenon occurred in the middle of the 4th century in the sky above Jerusalem, news of which may have reached Axum as well. Furthermore, by employing a slanted cross, the letter 'X' was invoked, which of course symbolized Christ himself. All in all, this fascinating issue reflects the great creativity employed by the Axumites in appropriating a new religious iconography for their coinage.