Aksumite Empire: Ousanas I (325-345) 3 Argyroi (Hahn, Aksumite 25)

Started by Quant.Geek, January 15, 2024, 03:56:24 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Quant.Geek

I have posted Aksumite coins before, specifically here and here. Another coin that transcends multiple forums, but it is a Christian kingdom. These coins either have their legends in Greek or Ge'ez...

Aksumite Empire: Ousanas I (325-345) 3 Argyroi (Hahn, Aksumite 25; Munro-Hay Type 33)

Obv: OYC-ΑΝΑ; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within double linear circle within rayed border
Rev: BAC-IΛCI; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within linear circle within thick circular border within rayed border
Dim: 14 mm, 1.39 g, 12 h

A gallery of my coins can been seen at FORVM Ancient Coins

THCoins

I love the coins that do not easily fit in just a single tight category ! Very strong imagery here. The portraits remind me of the style of some south-Asian Buddha portraits. The feathery structure behind the head is the ends of the tied headcloth i presume ?
In trying to read the legend i initially got stuck already at the beginning. However, i now blame the die maker, because the Y really seems to be upside down ? :)