This 1929 pattern was struck as part of Haile Selassie's currency modernization program initiated shortly after he became Regent and heir apparent — a political project aimed at consolidating monetary authority ahead of his formal coronation in 1930. Pattern pieces in nickel from this period were produced in small numbers at European mints, likely Paris or Vienna, for approval purposes and were never released for circulation. The series was ultimately shelved; circulating Ethiopian coinage of this denomination continued in silver.
This 1929 pattern was struck as part of Haile Selassie's currency modernization program initiated shortly after he became Regent and heir apparent — a political project aimed at consolidating monetary authority ahead of his formal coronation in 1930. Pattern pieces in nickel from this period were produced in small numbers at European mints, likely Paris or Vienna, for approval purposes and were never released for circulation. The series was ultimately shelved; circulating Ethiopian coinage of this denomination continued in silver.