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   253360.                                                     Sold For $295
   KINGS of AXUM. Ezanas. Circa 300-350 AD. AR 14mm (0.75 gm). Struck after
   his conversion to Christianity in 330 AD. BAX ACA (unknown Greek legend),
   draped bust right wearing headcloth / +TOV TO APECH TH XWPA (May This [the
   cross] Please the Country), small voided cross in circle. Munro-Hay 50;
   BMC Aksum 75. VF.
   The coins of Ezanas hold a unique distinction in world numismatics and
   history. The coins struck after his conversion to Christianity are the
   earliest to bear Christian symbols as their main type. Christianity found
   ready acceptance in the area, apparently because there was already a
   Jewish presence in the kingdom. After being driven into the hinterland by
   expanding Muslim power the Christian and Jewish communities retained their
   identities, and when the Abyssinian kingdom was established in the 17th
   century the royal family bore a traditional line of descent from king
   Solomon to the queen of Sheba.


From the CNG Online Coin Store, before August, 2007.

Re-used by permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com