Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, circa late 550s-560s. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.60 g, 12 h). ✠AΛΛA ΓΑΒΑZ NΓ 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 ( this coin cited ). Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 73.6 = Vaccaro 55 ( this coin ). Munro-Hay, AC, type 124 ( this coin cited ). Extremely rare, fifteen examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only ten are in private hands. Struck from slightly corroded dies and with two scratches on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection, the Maekelay-Tigray Collection, Roma E-Auction 67, 6 February 2020, 540, and from the collection of Francesco Vaccaro (1903-1990).
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).
Leu, okt. 2023, lot 325, 3400 CHF (Euro 3577)
Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad, circa late 550s-560s. Chrysos (Gold, 18 mm, 1.55 g, 11 h). ✠AΛΛA ΓΑᗺΑZ NΓ Draped half-length bust of Ella Gabaz/Wazen Agad 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; 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, holding branch in his right hand and with bracelets on his right arm; to left and right, ears of barley; all within circular border. Hahn, Aksumite, 45. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 73.14 ( this coin ). Munro-Hay, AC, type 124. Extremely rare, fifteen examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only ten are in private hands. An unusually fresh and attractive piece. Slightly ragged flan, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection.
Leu, okt. 2023, lot 325, 3600 CHF (Euro 3788)