100 Greatest Modern World Coins Series: Ethiopia EE1916-1917 (1924-1925) Birr and 6 Birr Patterns

When it comes to strengthening a country, economic and financial stability as well as independence is certainly a major contributor. This holds true today just as much as it did way back in the early 1800s and further on. However, in this particular case, we will travel back to the late 1890s as the Ethiopian Empire further changed the way they were structured by simply adopting an independent form of currency.

As authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker help us navigate the complexities of Ethiopia during their regime changes and governmental reforms, we will take a close look at a pair of pattern issues that turned into being some of the most elusive coins amongst the entire span of Ethiopian coinage. While making their mark in the empire’s history books, the coins also hold significance for who they bear as well.

#81 - Ethiopia EE1916-1917 (1924-1925) Birr and 6 Birr Patterns

During Emperor Menelik II’s reign in Ethiopia, he spent years strengthening a central government that would aim to encourage a modern empire. A part of that strengthening included a monetary system that would help reform and develop necessary infrastructure throughout the empire all while maintaining independence and being out of reach of the expansionist European colonial powers. However, the reliance on foreign coinage was indeed its biggest issue, not to mention the treaty Menelik entered with Italy to give the country access to the port of Assab and surrounding areas. This allowed for the establishment of Italian Eritrea, a colony that would later prove to be a threat amidst its rapid development and Italian influence within the Ethiopian Empire. This is when, upon becoming the Emperor, Menelik would expand outward and introduce its own regime that included modernization and government reform.

Ethiopia’s lack of national currency was a driving force for Menelik. The creation of the birr, which means silver, would remedy the country’s need for monetary independence and the emperor would quickly commission the Paris Mint to strike the first coins in EE1887 (1895). The first run of coins produced 20,000 pieces that would feature the emperor on one side and the Lion of Judah on the other. The Lion of Judah, a Christian symbol, was an important figure in the Ethiopian Empire.

While the new coins would bring success while in circulation, it was not enough to fully expunge the use of foreign coins. The coins would continue to be struck and depict the likeness of Menelik until his rule was over in 1913 and beyond when his emperor-designate successor Lij Iyasu would step in. Iyasu’s reign would not last long and his successor, Empress Zewditu, would take over. Menelik II’s eldest daughter, the empress would serve the empire until 1930 when she would be replaced by one of Africa’s most influential leaders, Emperor Haile Selassie (1930-1974).

No coinage was produced for Iyasu’s short-lived reign but a pattern coin was struck featuring Zewditu. However, only the EE1917 half birr was struck in large enough numbers to be looked upon as a regular issue. Patterns EE1916 and EE1917 bore the denominations of 6 birr in gold and 1 birr in silver. It is recorded that the gold 6 birr pattern has a mintage of just two coins.

Public sales of these coins hold proof that the coins exist. The silver coins are essentially non-existent as their whereabouts are fleeting. They do, however, exist, and are said to be some of the most coveted treasures to come from one of the longest running empires in history. Two are said to be known for the silver coin as well.