412, Lot: 744. Estimate $500. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AXUM. Joel. 590s-after 600. AR Unit (11mm, 1.09 g, 3h). “King Joel” in Ge‘ez, crowned facing bust, wearing headcloth; three pellets in right field / XVAPECH, Greek cross with central gold inlay within circle. Hahn, Aksumite 57; Munro-Hay Type 129; BMC Axum 449 var. (single pellet in obv. field); SACAM 436. Near EF, toned. Good preservation of inlay. Rare this nice.

The meaning of the reverse legend is uncertain, translating either as “by the grace of Christ” or “may (the cross) of Christ please.”