The 1902 Ethiopia Birr is one of the most recognisable African silver crowns, struck during the reign of Emperor Menelik II, the modernising monarch who led Ethiopia during its period of national consolidation and victory at Adwa. These large .835 silver coins are admired for their bold portraiture, strong symbolism and historical importance.

Struck at the Paris Mint, the 1902 Birr is part of the final series of Menelik II silver crowns before the introduction of the later Lion of Judah issues.

The obverse features the crowned bust of Emperor Menelik II, facing left, wearing the ornate Ethiopian coronation crown. The Amharic legend around the portrait translates to “Menelik II, King of Kings of Ethiopia.” The engraving is deep and expressive, capturing the authority and presence of Ethiopia’s most celebrated ruler.

The reverse displays the Lion of Judah, standing proudly and holding the Ethiopian processional cross. The Amharic legend around the rim denotes the denomination “Birr”, with the date 1902 in the Ethiopian calendar (1894 EC) below. The Lion of Judah is one of the most powerful national symbols of Ethiopia and a defining motif of its coinage.

Examples with strong detail and attractive tone are highly desirable among collectors of African crowns, Ethiopian imperial coinage and world silver.

• Country: Ethiopia
• Year: 1902
• Denomination: Birr
• Metal: .835 Silver
• Weight: 28.07g
• Diameter: 40mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Obverse: Crowned bust of Emperor Menelik II
• Reverse: Lion of Judah with processional cross
• Mint: Paris Mint
• Classification: Ethiopian Imperial silver crown

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