1901-1904 Ethiopia 1-Birr

Description

Ethiopia 1-Birr, struck in the 1901-1904 time frame, .835 silver, 28.075 gms, 40 mm diameter. The obverse shows a right facing portrait of Menelik II. The reverse shows a crowned lion to the left, with rt. foreleg raised, holding a ribboned cross. The piece has edge lettering that translates as "CONQUERING LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH".  On this large size silver coin, the surfaces on both sides show a lot of miscellaneous contact marks. Not reading a single letter of this language these descriptive materials were the best information I located with what appeared to be accurate application to the lettering and features of the piece.