Lepton - Wazena

The wazena was the Aksumite unit of weight, and its application as a coin denomination reflects the kingdom's sophisticated approach to bronze coinage during the sixth century — a period when Aksum maintained active Red Sea trade networks connecting the Mediterranean world to South Arabia and India. Bronze issues of this size were the everyday currency of that commerce, circulating well below the gold and silver denominations reserved for prestige and tribute.

Aksumite bronze from this period is frequently found in heavily corroded or fragmentary condition, a consequence of the Ethiopian highland burial environment.