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   253372.                                                     Sold For $135
   KINGS of AXUM (Aksum). Ouazebas. Circa 350-400 AD. Æ 18mm (2.31 gm).
   OVAZEBAC BACI LEYC, draped bust right wearing headcloth, flanked by grain
   ears / +TOV TO APECH TH XWPA (May This [the cross] Please the Country),
   small draped bust right in circle; the interior of the circle gilt.
   Munro-Hay 54; BMC Aksum 245. Near VF, green patina.
   One of the most curious aspects of Axumite coinage is the use of gilding
   on some of their silver and bronze coins. The amount of gold used would
   not be enough to significantly change the value of the coin, and the
   reason for this process remains somewhat a mystery. It is usually found
   highlighting the portrait of the king or as embellishment of the cross, so
   it may serve the same purpose as gold tesserae in church mosaics and gold
   leaf on manuscripts- to reflect the Divine Light shining on the monarch
   and the church.



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