Æ11 - Ioel long cross
| Bronze | 0.85 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | Aksum |
|---|---|
| King | Ioel (circa 590-615) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 590-615 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 0.85 g |
| Diameter | 11 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#60856 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Long Latin cross.
Script: Ge'ez
Translation: "Christ is with us".
Comment
Unlike gold and silver coinage minted for the trade route between the Byzantine Empire and India, this bronze coin seems to have a local use.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aksumite coin Æ11 - Ioel (long cross) (590-615) is that it features a unique blend of Christian and pre-Christian symbols. The coin's design includes a long cross on the obverse (front side), which represents the Christian faith that was prevalent in Aksum during that time period. However, the reverse (back side) of the coin features a depiction of a pagan symbol, the so-called "Aksumite tree," which was a stylized representation of a tree with intertwining branches and roots. This blending of religious symbols reflects the complex cultural and religious landscape of Aksum during the 6th to 7th centuries, when Christianity was still a relatively new religion in the region and coexisted with older pagan beliefs.
