Ethiopian Menelik II coinage

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Period

1893-1913

Issuing entity

Ethiopia

Machine-struck silver and copper coinage introduced under Emperor Menelik II, among the earliest modern African national coinages.

Historical context

Struck initially in Paris, replacing the Maria Theresa thaler as the principal circulating coin.

Design

obverse
Crowned imperial portrait
reverse
Lion of Judah

Identification

note
Dates appear in the Ethiopian calendar and require conversion.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Weights, finenesses and Ethiopian-to-Gregorian date conversions require transcription from a verified reference.
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