1 Thaler

1918 year


Silver (.835)	28.0668 g	40 mm

Description

Issuer	Italian Eritrea
King	Victor Emmanuel III (1900-1941)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	1918
Value	1 Tallero
Currency	Tallero (1890-1921)
Composition	Silver (.835)
Weight	28.0668 g
Diameter	40 mm
Thickness	2.5 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-04

References

Numista	N#19516
Rarity index	43%

Reverse

Left facing, crowned eagle with shield on chest.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
AD • NEGOT • ERYTHR COMMOD • ARG • SIGN •
R

Unabridged legend: Ad negotiorum erythraeorum commoditatem argenteum signatum

Translation: Silver coin to facilitate transactions in Eritrea.

Engraver: Attilio Silvio Motti

Edge

Inscription in relief

Script: Latin

Lettering: FERT ∞ ✭ ∞ FERT ∞ ✭ ∞ FERT ∞ ✭ ∞

Translation:
FERT was the motto of the house of Savoy, adopted by King Vittorio Amedeo II (1666-1732). It is thought to be an acronym, though what it stands for have been lost to time. Theories include:

1. Foedere Et Religione Tenemur (Latin, ‘treaty and religion bind us’)

2. Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin, ‘his bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state’)

3. Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin, ‘faith is the protector of [our] kingdom’)

Another theory suggests that it is in fact the Latin word fert, the third-person singular present active indicative of ferre (Meaning he/she/it suffers/bears), in reference to Jesus bearing the sins of the world.

Comment

Created in 1918 as a trade coin imitating and competing with the Maria-Theresa thaler, a popular coin amongst locals and Arab traders.

Diameter varies because coins were struck without collar. The average diameter is 40 mm.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1 Thaler 1918 coin from Italian Eritrea is that it features a unique design that reflects the country's history and culture. The obverse side of the coin depicts a portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III, while the reverse side features an image of a lion, which is a symbol of Eritrea. The coin's design was created by the Italian engraver, Romano Romanelli, and it is considered a rare and valuable collector's item among numismatists.