AXUM. Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, circa late 550s-560s. Chrysos (Electrum, 19 mm, 1.57 g, 12 h). ✠AΛΛA ΓΑΒΑZ ИΓ Draped half-length bust of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad to right, wearing tiara and circular earring, 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, with bracelets on his right arm; to left and right, ears of barley; all within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 45. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 73. Munro-Hay, AC, type 124. Extremely rare, fifteen examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only ten are in private hands. Faint cleaning scratches, otherwise, nearly very fine.



As with Alla Amidas/Armeha, Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad also utilized different names on his silver and bronze coinage. The 'NΓ' in the obverse legend of his chrysoi likely stands for 'negus' ('king' in Ge'ez).