| Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 28 | Auction date: 9 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 5422 Price realized: 700 CHF (Approx. 796 USD / 739 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, 18 mm, 1.30 g, 12 h). ✠OYΛCHCΛC CΛCIΛEΥC Draped bust of Ouzebas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring; to left and right, ears of barley. Rev. ✠ΤΟΥΤΟ ΑΡCCH 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 gilding remaining. Thick deposits, otherwise, about very fine. From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection. 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: 50 CHF |  |
