CNG 84, Lot: 1657. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AXUM. Nezana / Nezool. Circa 470-490. AV Unit (18mm, 1.51 g, 11h). + ΘЄOVC YXΛPICTIΛ, crowned bust right, surmounted by cross, holding whisk; grain ears flanking / + ΘWCIΛ CXCHC(retrograde C)OVΛ, draped bust right, wearing headcloth surmounted by cross; grain ears flanking. Hahn, Aksumite 38d; Munro-Hay type 82; BMC Axum 401. Superb EF, minor edge marks.

The Kingdom of Axum was the sole sub-Saharan African state to issue coinage prior to the 19th century. In addition to this honor, it was also one of the earliest Christian states, as reflected in the crosses and religious themed legends on this coin. These coins saw much use in international trade, with specimens today found in southern Egypt, southern Arabia, and India.

Nezool (also called Nezana) succeeded Ebana, but as in the case of his predecessor we know little of his reign apart from the evidence of his coins.