© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Werk - Menelik II
1889 (1897) year| Gold (.900) | 3.5 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Ethiopian Empire (Ethiopia) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Menelik II (1889-1913) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1889 (1897) |
| Calendar | Ethiopian |
| Value | ½ Werk (የወርቅ፡አሳጽ) (4) |
| Currency | Birr / Thaler (1893-1931) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) |
| Weight | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#22983 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Crowned lion facing left with foreleg holding ribboned cross
Script: Ge'ez
Lettering:
ሞዓ ፡ አንበሳ ፡ ዘእምነገደ ፡ ይሁዳ።
የወረቅ፡አላድ
Translation:
Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah
Half Werk
Engraver: Jean Lagrange
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Werk Menelik II coin is that it was minted during a time of great change and modernization in Ethiopia. Emperor Menelik II, who ruled from 1889 to 1913, implemented many modernizing reforms, including the introduction of a modern currency system, which replaced the traditional system of bartering with salt and cowry shells. The coin was minted in 1897, and its design features the emperor's portrait on one side and the Ethiopian coat of arms on the other. The use of gold for the coin's minting was a symbol of the country's wealth and prosperity.
