Hethasas/Hataza, circa 610s-630s. Lepton (Bronze, 16 mm, 1.07 g, 9 h), after 630 (?). ነገሠ-ሐተዘ ('ngshtz' = 'King Hataza' in Ge'ez) Draped bust of Hethasas/Hataza facing, wearing tiara and circular earrings, holding cross in his right hand in front of his chest; to inner right, pellet. Rev. ለአ-ሐዘ-በሠ-ሀለ ('lʼhzbshl' = 'Mercy to the people' in Ge'ez) Cross within lozenge with cross extending from each corner. Hahn, Aksumite, 65. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 95. Munro-Hay, AC, type 141. Attractive earthen highlights. Very fine.


Hahn & Keck have suggested that the short term restoration of Egypt to Byzantine control in 630 may have prompted the Axumites to resume coin production, though only of billon argyroi and bronze lepta, which may have continued posthumously after Hethasas/Hataza's reign.