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1/2 Werk - Menelik II
| Issuer | Ethiopian Imperial Government |
|---|---|
| Year | 1897 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round |
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| Obverse description | Right-facing bust of Emperor Menelik II wearing a traditional Ethiopian crown adorned with a cross finial and decorative headband, rendered in high relief with fine portraiture detail. The effigy is framed at the base by two crossing olive or laurel branches tied at the center, a motif of imperial dignity. The circular Ge'ez legend surrounds the portrait, reading 'His Imperial Majesty Menelik, King of Kings of Ethiopia' with the Ethiopian calendar date EE 1889 inscribed in Ge'ez numerals in the lower exergual area. The portrait style reflects the work of French engraver Jean Lagrange, combining European medallic technique with Ethiopian iconographic tradition. The field is smooth and the coin is struck within a beaded border. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The Lion of Judah passant facing left, depicted in bold relief, wearing an imperial crown surmounted by a cross and holding a processional cross-staff in its raised right forepaw. A flowing banner or ribbon extends behind the crown. The Ge'ez legend arcs around the upper field reading 'Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah,' while the denomination 'Half Werk' is inscribed in Ge'ez characters along the lower field. The composition is powerful and heraldic in character, reflecting the traditional royal symbolism of the Ethiopian Empire. The design is enclosed within a beaded border. |
| Reverse script | Ge'ez (Ethiopic) |
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