© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
½ Birr - Menelik II Lion's right foreleg raised - Pattern
1889 (1897) year| Gold (.900) | 14.11 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Ethiopian Empire (Ethiopia) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Menelik II (1889-1913) |
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1889 (1897) |
| Calendar | Ethiopian |
| Value | ½ Birr / Thaler (የብር፡አሳጽ) |
| Currency | Birr / Thaler (1893-1931) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) |
| Weight | 14.11 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#317708 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Lion of Judah: Crowned lion carrying cross, right foreleg raised.
Script: Ge'ez
Engraver: Jean Lagrange
Edge
Plain
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern ½ Birr - Menelik II (Lion's right foreleg raised - Pattern) 1889 (1897) from Ethiopian Empire (Ethiopia) made of Gold (.900) weighing 14.11 g is that it was designed by the French engraver and medalist, Oscar Roty. Roty was known for his work on various coins and medals, including the famous French 20 Franc gold coin featuring the profile of the French Republic. The Pattern ½ Birr coin features a unique design, with the lion's right foreleg raised, which was not commonly seen on other coins of its time. This design element was likely chosen to symbolize strength, power, and courage, which were all important values to the Ethiopian Empire during the reign of Menelik II.
