Gilded silver unit - Aphilas

This type is currently known as the first of the Aksumite coinage to feature gilt. Leu Numismatik has proposed it had a value of 1/24 chrysos (AUction 14, Lot 277)

The reverse lettering is interpreted differently because of the presence of a final letter I:
 

• Munro-Hay used this letter as the starting point of the reverse legend, rendering the name as Iaphilas rather than Aphilas. However he did not provide a proper explanation to this choice nor to its potential interpretation.
   
• Anzani, using the same lettering base, suggested that it could refer to a son of Aphilas thus named Iaphilas. He also linked this theory with the size of the portrait on reverse as being smaller to indicate not the main ruler but a less important reigning figure.
   
• Hahn rather used this letter I as the ending point of the legend. He put forward two theories:
  - The first one mentioning that the legend uses a dative form that could be translated as "for the kings", suggesting this type would refer to a co-ruling period of Aphilas and Ousanas.
  - The second one proposed the I would not be a letter but a simple legend separator. This cannot be discarded for sure as Aphilas' coinage features various experiments compared to the coinage of Endubis and of his successors; however, it seems highly unlikely, given no real separator is used across Aksumite coinage besides the classic pellet on crescent.
   

Minor variations in the details of the obverse and reverse portraits are known, especially concerning the drapes or the width of the busts.

The type SACAM# 37 (HCR# 54127) features a minor lettering variation on obverse with the second letter A being replaced by the letter Δ.

© Roma Numismatics Limited

Weight variation: 0.62-1.03 g.
Diameter variation: 11.50-13.00 mm.