From the 3rd to 7th centuries AD, the rulers of Aksum minted their own coinage. Modelled on Roman originals, this was the first money in sub-Saharan Africa.
Aksumites probably used silver and bronze coins for local trade while gold coins were used in trade outside the state. The basic design of the coins remained largely the same through time, with only a few alterations by later rulers.
Kings wearing helmets or head cloths were depicted on both sides of silver and bronze coins. On the gold coins two ears of wheat or barley were depicted framing the royal bust on the obverse and reverse. The coinage gradually went out of use probably due to a decline in trade, internal instability or military defeats. Coins were superseded as currency by other goods.
