2
UNEDITED COIN OF ABYSSINIA.
Travels (pi. viii. fig. 6). The description of the coin belonging to the British Museum would be—
Obv. _ Crowned head, turned to the right, between two ears ; a
sword in the right hand, surrounded by the inscription,
AEA + BAE-f El*j -f- B A X -f-
Asa(hel) Bas(ileos) Sin (?) Thach (,?)'
Rev .—Shaved head, turned to the right, between two ears ; in the right hand three leaves.
CIB -j- \ C06 + IAN + AA4> +
Gebise. Ian. Alph.
The second successor of Aphidas bore the name Esahel (No. 45 of my list, vol. ii. p. 346). He reigned only two months, and seems to have been put aside by his minister, or servant, Egabes. The former is figured and named in the obverse of the medal; the second in the reverse. Ian Alph is most probably an adoptive name which Gabes assumed. Since he has no crown on his head, he seems to have governed as a substitute of the legitimate sovereign Asahel. The adoptive names, Ian and Aelaf, were used by several Abyssinian kings; for example, Johannes (No 125 of my list) was named Aelaf Saged.
I hope this short notice may be of service to you; it is given by me as mere conjecture. I am yours most obliged,
D. Edward Ruppell.
To Samuel Bikch, Esq., British Museum.
[This coin was obtained from Colonel Claude Steuart, who procured it at Aden. The weight of these coins corresponds with that of the small gold coins of Justin, weighing 23.2 grs. The drawing having been made from a cast, is unfortunately reversed; the description is, however, correct.]
1 The meaning of Sin Thach I do not know.