Aphilas, circa 310-325. 1/4 Chrysos (Gold, 10 mm, 0.70 g, 12 h). ΑΦΙΛ-ΑC Β Draped half-length bust of Aphilas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, holding branch in his right hand; above, pellet in crescent. Rev. ΑCΙΛ-ЄΥC Draped half-length bust of Aphilas to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, holding branch in his right hand; above, pellet in crescent. Hahn, Aksumite, P5. Hahn & Keck, MAKS, 6.3 ( this coin ). Munro-Hay, AC, type 7. Of the highest rarity, just three examples recorded by Hahn & Keck, of which only two are in private hands. A splendid piece with two excellent portraits. Minor nicks, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the Dr. Stephan Coffman Collection.
Under Aphilas, the Axumites experimented with a fractional gold coinage consisting of 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 chrysoi, likely to facilitate exchange. This was abandoned under his successors, however, perhaps due to the impractically small size of the lesser denominations.
The coins of Aphilas generally feature the following inscription in Greek:
Leu, okt. 2023, lot 272, 3'400 CHF (Euro 3577)