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1/8 Ꜹ Unit - Aphilas
| Issuer | Kingdom of Aksum |
|---|---|
| Year | 305-315 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse field is entirely occupied by a multi-line Greek inscription arranged in four lines across the flan, reading the royal title and name of King Aphilas. The letters are boldly struck in the hammered style characteristic of early Aksumite gold coinage, with pellets used as word separators between syllabic groups. The inscription fills virtually the entire die surface, leaving little open field, and is executed in the angular epigraphic Greek style common to Aksumite royal issues of the early fourth century. The legend translates as 'King Aphilas,' asserting the royal authority of the issuer. |
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| Reverse lettering | ΑΦΙ Λ·ΑC ΒΑ·CΙ Λ·ЄΥ C (Translation: King Aphilas) |
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| Additional information |
Aphilas was among the earliest Aksumite kings to issue coinage in his own name, and his fractional gold pieces represent some of the smallest gold coins struck anywhere in the ancient world at the time. The Aksumite monetary system was unusual in maintaining three metals simultaneously — gold, silver, and bronze — a sophistication rarely matched by contemporary sub-Saharan polities. Aphilas-era issues are particularly notable for their variety of reverse types, with MHAC and SACAM references together cataloguing multiple distinct die groups within a short reign.