© Classical Numismatic Gallery
© Classical Numismatic Gallery
Semissis - Wazeba
320 year| Gold (.940) | 1.81 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Aksum |
|---|---|
| King | Wazeba (circa 320) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 320 |
| Value | 1 Semissis (½) |
| Composition | Gold (.940) |
| Weight | 1.81 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#312837 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Bust of Wazeba to right, wearing headcloth ending with rounded and knotted ribbon behind, holding whisk in right hand, flanked by wheat stalks; above head, King's name as monogram (ወዘበ); above, three pellets on crescent.
Script: Ge'ez
Lettering: ወዘበነገሠአከሰመ በኢሰየዘገለየ
Translation: Wazeba King of Aksum, man of Zagalay
Comment
This type is known by only two pieces: the one illustrated here in a private collection and one in the collection of the Bibliothèque de France (2.05 g, 17 mm).The two coins have slight variations in style, in particular as regards the position of the pellets on the reverse.
This type seems to be the first to carry a lettering in Ge'ez script, as well as one of the few to display the king's monogram.
ZGLY is commonly interpreted as Zagalay.
Interesting fact
The Aksumite Empire, which issued the Semissis - Wazeba (320) coin, was known for its advanced agriculture, architecture, and trade networks. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of gold, which was a valuable resource in the ancient world and a symbol of wealth and power. The fact that the Aksumites were able to produce gold coins suggests that they had a strong economy and access to rich gold deposits. Additionally, the coin's design, which features a crowned king and a cross, reflects the empire's Christian faith and its connection to the wider Mediterranean world.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (320) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Semissis - Wazeba (320) coin.
