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.




Nezana/Nezool eventually replaced the previous 'King of the Land of the Abyssinians' title with the Christian message 'ΘЄΟΥ ЄΥΧAΡΙCΤΙA'. This could either be interpreted as the gratitude of mankind towards God, or as Hahn & Keck (MAKS, p. 106) argue, the benevolence of God towards mankind. The latter interpretation is supported epigraphically and fits well with the rare silver issues of Nezana/Nezool (see lot 315 below) with the legend 'ΘЄΟΥ XAPI(C)', i.e., 'The grace of God', from which the benevolence mentioned on the gold coins flows forth. Ironically, a crescent is also depicted, formerly used as a pagan symbol on the Axumite coinage, but likely devoid of such meaning by this time.