What became the primary means of exchange for aksum merchants?

Aksum merchants primarily used gold, silver, and bronze coins known as "Aksumite coinage" as the means of exchange. These coins were produced from around the 1st to the 7th century AD.

Before Aksumite coinage became prevalent, Aksum merchants heavily relied on the barter system, where goods were directly exchanged for other goods, without using a currency medium. However, with the growing commercial activities and the expansion of Aksum's trade network, the need for a more efficient system of exchange arose.

The Aksumite kings began issuing their own coins, starting with King Endybis in approximately the middle of the 3rd century AD. The coins featured various symbols and portraits, often depicting the ruling king or religious symbols, and were inscribed with Ge'ez script.

These coins were initially minted in gold and silver, but later on, bronze coins were also produced. Gold coins were used for larger transactions, while silver and bronze coins were more commonly used in everyday trade.

The introduction of Aksumite coinage not only facilitated trade and commerce within Aksum but also played a significant role in their international trade relations. The Aksumite coins were widely recognized and accepted beyond their borders, contributing to the prosperity of Aksum as a major trading power in the ancient world.