AXUM. MHDYS, Circa 450-460. (Copper, 15 mm, 0.87 g). "MHDYS King of Aksum" (legend in Ge'ez) around draped bust to right, wearing headcloth, flanked by wheat stalks; above, cross. Rev. "By this you will be victorious, by the Cross" (legend in Ge'ez) around Cross with gilded circle at its centre, within circular border; above, cross. AC 70. H 30. Hahn & Keck 41. SyllAsh 244-54. Vaccaro 35. Partially gilded reverse. Deposits, otherwise, fine.

From a private research collection of Axumite small change.

The reign of king MHDYS (Matthew?) brought a return to coin legends written in a local Ethiopian language.