Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, circa late 550s-560s. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.55 g, 11 h). ✠AΛΛA ΓΑᗺΑZ NΓ Draped half-length bust of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad 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; all within circular border.
Rev. ✠BA✠CI✠ΛЄ✠YC Draped half-length bust of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad 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; all within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 45. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 73.14 (
this coin). Munro-Hay, AC, type 124. Extremely rare, fifteen examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only ten are in private hands. An unusually fresh and attractive piece. Slightly ragged flan
, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection.