Aphilas, circa 310-325. Lepton (Bronze, 16 mm, 4.14 g, 12 h). ΛΦΙΛΛC - BΛCIΛЄΥ-C Draped bust of Aphilas facing, wearing tight-fitting head cloth; above, pellet in crescent. Rev. ΑξⲰΜΙΤⲰΝ - BICI ΔΙΜΗΛΗ Draped bust of Aphilas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth; above, pellet in crescent. Hahn, Aksumite, 10. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 12. Munro-Hay, AC, type 14. Extremely rare and very likely the finest known example. A spectacular and exceptionally complete example of this earliest struck Axumite bronze coinage. Light traces of cleaning and minor smoothing, otherwise, good very fine.


The extremely rare gold and bronze coins of Aphilas bearing a facing portrait were copied from Roman prototypes of the period, most likely the famous solidi of Licinius I issued circa 320-321. They are also the first Axumite bronze coins of which at least some specimens were struck rather than cast. Unfortunately, they are almost invariably poorly preserved, which makes this remarkable piece an especially notable exception. It is very likely the finest known example, and perhaps the only one in which the king’s facial features - eyes, nose, and mouth - remain clearly discernible, details otherwise invariably lost to wear.