| Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 28 | Auction date: 9 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 5418 Price realized: 220 CHF (Approx. 250 USD / 232 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ouzebas, late 4th-early 5th century. Multiple Lepton (Gilt Bronze, 17 mm, 1.88 g, 11 h). ✠OYΛZHBAC BΛCIΛEΥC Draped bust of Ouzebas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring; to left and right, ears of barley. Rev. ✠ΤΟΥΤΟ ΑΡCЄΗ TH XⲰΡΑ Draped bust of Ouzebas (or Ezanas?) to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, within shallow round incuse inlaid in gold within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 26a. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 37(a). Munro-Hay, AC, 54. Some deposits, otherwise, very fine. From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, privately acquired from André Cichos. This is the first Axumite bronze issue to be partially gilded. Hahn & Keck (MAKS, p. 89) have suggested that the bust on the reverse may represent the deified/canonized Ezanas, as this is the only royal bust set on a gilt background after the introduction of Christianity. By underlining Ezanas' sacred status, Ouzebas, perhaps a brother of the latter, could enhance his own legitimacy and prestige. Starting price: 25 CHF |  |
