Danh mục
| Đơn vị phát hành | Aksum |
|---|---|
| Năm | 305-315 |
| Loại | Standard circulation coin |
| Mệnh giá | |
| Tiền tệ | |
| Chất liệu | Gold (.800) plated silver (.650) (Selective gilt) |
| Trọng lượng | 0.98 g |
| Đường kính | 13.00 mm |
| Độ dày | 2.00 mm |
| Hình dạng | Round (irregular) |
| Kỹ thuật | Hammered |
| Hướng | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Nghệ nhân khắc | |
| Lưu hành đến | |
| Tài liệu tham khảo | MHAC#10, Hahn Ak#8, BMC Aksum#12-19, SACAM#35-40, HCR#54125-54130 |
| Mô tả mặt trước | Bust of Aphilas to right, wearing headcloth ornamented on front and ending with triangular ribbon behind; above, pellet on crescent dividing lettering. Border of dots. |
|---|---|
| Chữ viết mặt trước | Greek |
| Chữ khắc mặt trước |
ΑΦΙΛΑ ΒΑCΙΛΙ (Translation: King Aphilas) |
| Mô tả mặt sau | Small bust of Aphilas to right, wearing headcloth ornamented on front and ending with triangular ribbon behind, within a hollow gilt circle; above, pellet on crescent dividing lettering. Border of dots. |
| Chữ viết mặt sau | Greek |
| Chữ khắc mặt sau |
ΑΦΙΛΑC ΒΑCΙΛΑЄΥCΙ (Translation: King Aphilas) |
| Cạnh | |
| Xưởng đúc | |
| Số lượng đúc |
ND (305-315) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 4993677800 |
| Thông tin bổ sung |
Historical Context: Issued by King Aphilas of Aksum (305-315 AD), this 1/2 AR Unit marks a pivotal era. Aphilas introduced gold coinage, signifying Aksum's economic sophistication and international trade. This silver fractional unit uniquely features selective gilding, applying 0.800 fine gold over a 0.650 fine silver core. This bimetallic appearance likely elevated its perceived value or specialized function, reflecting Aksum's advanced metallurgical prowess and burgeoning wealth.
Artistry: The coin's artistry follows Aksumite royal portraiture, emphasizing monarchical authority. The obverse presents a stylized bust of King Aphilas, often with a distinctive crown or diadem. The reverse typically displays dynastic or pre-Christian religious symbols. Selective gilding was a deliberate artistic choice, meticulously applied to highlight specific features of the royal portrait or reverse motif, enhancing its visual impact and prestige.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 13.00 mm flan, weighing 0.98 grams, this coin exemplifies advanced metallurgy. Its defining technical feature is selective gilding, applying 0.800 fine gold to specific areas of the 0.650 fine silver core. High-points for grading include the king's crown, nose, and chin on the obverse, and central reverse elements. Strike quality varies, with irregular flans common. Preservation of the delicate gilding is paramount for higher grades, as wear significantly impacts its aesthetic and historical integrity.