Nezana/Nezool, circa 480s-500. Chrysos (Gold, 17 mm, 1.64 g, 12 h). [Θ]ЄΟΥ Є-ΥΧΑΡΙCΤΙΛ 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. ΗЄΖΛΗΛ ΒΛCIΛЄΥC 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, 38b. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 52.10 (
this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 79. Extremely rare, just twelve examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which ten in private hands. A fascinating type with an overt Christian legend on the obverse. Struck from slightly worn dies
, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, ex Baldwin's FPL, autumn 2018, 43, and from the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams, Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015, 326, ex Morton & Eden, 18 April 2002, 37.
For the interpretation of the legend on the obverse, see the previous lot.
