Catalog
Triens - Wazeba and Ousanas
| Issuer | Aksum |
|---|---|
| Year | 320 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Draped bust of King Wazeba facing right, wearing a headcloth; the effigy is rendered in the characteristic Aksumite style with a disc on crescent symbol positioned above the portrait in the field. The royal legend in Ge'ez script appears around the bust, identifying the ruler. The overall style reflects the transitional Aksumite coinage tradition blending indigenous and Hellenistic artistic influences. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Ge'ez |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Wazeba and Ousanas were co-rulers of Aksum in the early fourth century, and coins bearing both names represent one of the more unusual administrative arrangements in Aksumite numismatics — dual-name issues are rare in the series and their precise political relationship remains debated. This piece predates the Christianization of the kingdom under Ezana by roughly a decade, placing it in the final generation of Aksumite coinage struck without the cross.
The triens denomination in silver is an uncommon survival. Most Aksumite silver of this period circulated heavily in Red Sea trade networks and survives in correspondingly worn states.