Ethiopia Silver Coin Melt Values - Live Calculator
The table below lists each denomination and computes live melt value from the current silver spot price of $66.76 per troy ounce.
| Coin | Face Value | Years | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Qty | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghersh | 1 | 1897 - 1903 | 0.835 | 1.4 | 1.17 | 0.0376 | $0.00 | |
| Birr | 1 | 1900 - 1903 | 0.835 | 28.08 | 23.45 | 0.7538 | $0.00 | |
| Birr | 1/4 | 1895 - 1903 | 0.835 | 7.02 | 5.86 | 0.1885 | $0.00 | |
| Santeem | 50 | 1944 | 0.8 | 7.03 | 5.62 | 0.1808 | $0.00 | |
| Grand Total | $0.00 | |||||||
Country Silver Coin History
19th Century Ethiopian Silver Coins
A significant revival of silver coinage occurred under Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913). Menelik II sought to modernize Ethiopia and establish it as a recognized state among the colonial powers of Europe.
During Menelik II’s reign, the Ethiopian birr was introduced, and silver coins were minted. Additionally, the Maria Theresa thaler, a silver coin from the Austrian Empire, was widely accepted and circulated in Ethiopia due to its consistent silver content and reliability in trade.
Italian Occupation 1936-1941
During the brief Italian occupation of Ethiopia, the Italians introduced their own currency, which included silver coins. However, this period was short-lived, and the use of Italian currency ceased after Ethiopia regained independence.
Emperor Haile Selassie I
Under Emperor Haile Selassie I, Ethiopia continued to modernize its currency system. Silver coins were issued to commemorate significant events and to bolster the economy. The Ethiopian dollar (birr) included silver denominations, reflecting both traditional values and modern economic needs.
