Aksumite Empire. Aphilas. Early 3rd Century AD. Gold 8 mm (0.35 gr). Portrait of Aphilas facing r. with crescent and disc symbol to r. Reverse: AΦIΛAC BACIΛEY. (name and title). Munro-Hay type 8; Anzani 4. Rare. Lustrous and lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - UP
Aphilas produced the smallest gold coins every minted in sub-saharan Africa, equivalent to one sixteenth of a Roman aureus.
Ex CNG Auction 41, 19 March 1997, lot 2490.