Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Mat, post: 1467099, member: 21445&quot;]#9. This coin was once owned by fellow CT poster, <b>Stainless</b>. He posted it as his new acquisition and I immediately fell in love with it. First, was because I never seen the type before &amp; second I thought it was really cool how there was a &quot;spot of gold&quot; gilding. I immediately went on the hunt for one but none were as nice as this, most of the gold was worn off. If you know Stainless, you would know he likes to trade coins, so we worked out a trade and now this is in a collection that appreciates it more then just a quick trade. Plus I learned a lot about the Kingdom of Aksum just from this tiny thing.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/smunm9.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>Kings of Axum</p><p>Anonymous</p><p>AD 400-500</p><p>AE 14</p><p>O: BAC + ACA, Crowned bust right, holding cross-tipped scepter</p><p>R: +TOV TO APECH TH XWPA, Greek Cross; central punch-hole inlaid in gold, Inscription &quot;May this (cross) please the country.&quot;</p><p>Munro-Hay 76, BMC Aksumite 316</p><p>0.75g</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i>One of the most curious aspects of Axumite coinage is the use of gilding on some of the silver and bronze coins. The amount of gold used would not be enough to significantly change the value of the coin, and the reason for this labor-intensive process remains somewhat a mystery. It is usually found highlighting the portrait of the king or as embellishment of the cross, so it may serve the same purpose as gold tesserae in church mosaics and gold leaf on manuscripts--to reflect the Divine Light shining on the monarch and the church.</i>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in