Aphilas, circa 310-325. Lepton (Bronze, 13 mm, 1.45 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. Fair.


The extremely rare gold and bronze coins of Aphilas showing a facing portrait were copied from Roman prototypes of the era, most likely from the famous solidi of Licinius I issued in circa 320-321. Moreover, they are the first Axumite bronze coins of which some were struck rather than cast. Unfortunately, they are almost invariably poorly preserved.