© Numismatica Ferrarese
© Numismatica Ferrarese
5 Matonas - Hailé Selassié I
1923 (1931) year| Copper | 3.0 g | 20.7 mm |
| Issuer | Ethiopian Empire (Ethiopia) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Haile Selassie I (1930-1936, 1941-1974) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1923 (1931) |
| Calendar | Ethiopian |
| Value | 5 Matonas (፭ መቶኛ) (0.05) |
| Currency | Birr / Thaler (decimalized, 1931-1936) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 3.0 g |
| Diameter | 20.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#11936 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 30% |
Reverse
Crowned lion right, right foreleg raised holding ribboned cross
Scripts: Ge'ez, Latin
Lettering:
ሞዓ፡ አንበሳ፡ ዘእምነገደ፡ ይሁዳ፡
5
Translation: 'Moa' the Lion of Judah (Rastafarians claim it means 'the Conquering Lion of Judah', proper reference for this translation is needed)
Edge
Smooth or reeded
Comment
Haile Selassie I (1882-1975) was the last emperor of Ethiopia. He was born as Täfäri Mäkonnän and later became known as Ras (duke) Tafari. In 1916 he dethroned Lij Yasu, the successor of emperor Melnik II. Zauditu, Menilek II’s daughter, became empress in 1917, while Ras Tafari became regent and heir apparent to the throne. He ruled from 1930 to 1936, then from 1941 to 1974, interrupted by the Italian occupation. After famine struck the nation, he was kept under house arrest in his palace after a military coup and got killed by the junta the 27th of August 1975. Some Rastafarians have refered to Haile Selassie as the returned messiah of the Bible.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Matonas coin from Ethiopia is that it features an image of Emperor Hailé Selassié I on one side and the Ethiopian coat of arms on the other. This coin was minted in 1931, during the reign of Emperor Hailé Selassié I, who was the last emperor of Ethiopia and ruled from 1930 until his death in 1975. The coin was made of copper and weighs 3.0 grams.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 (1931) | 1363000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Matonas - Hailé Selassié I 1923 (1931) coin.
