Ethiopia 1/32, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 Birr, Gersh, 1/4, 1/2, 1 Werk 1895 to 1906

Ethiopia issued several coins of various denominations but with the same king and lion pattern. On this page we briefly discuss coins with this pattern. Other Ethiopian coins use other patterns on at least one side. Refer to the graphic near the bottom of this page to decipher Ethiopian Era (EE) dates. Note that Western Gregorian dates are obtained by adding 8 years to the EE dates. The coins have EE dates.

If you have a nice example of one of these coins, in good condition with no problems such as scratches, dents, cleanings, stains, gouges, and the like, it is a good idea to seek out a coin dealer or knowledgeable collector. There are minor variations in the design that can add value to your coin. For instance, if the lion's foot is slightly raised, the value of the coin goes up.

NEVER CLEAN A COIN. CLEANING RUINS VALUE.

Coins with EE1895 dates (1903AD) are often called 'restrikes' because they were produced between 1903 and 1925. Values of the restrike coins are approximately the same as normal strikes.

The values below are all approximate catalog values in US dollars. You must apply the conversions found on our Terminology page to obtain approximate buy and sell values.

1/32 BIRR (copper, 20 mm diameter, EE1889)
worn: $4 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $10
well preserved: $35
fully uncirculated: $60

GERSH (silver, 15 mm diameter, EE1889, 1891, 1895)
worn: $4 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $10
well preserved: $22
fully uncirculated: $45

1/8 BIRR (silver, 20 mm diameter, EE1887, 1888)
worn: $15 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $50
well preserved: $100
fully uncirculated: $250
1/8 birr dated EE1888 is rare, worth $350 in average circulated condition

1/4 BIRR (silver, 24 mm diameter, EE1887, 1888, 1889, 1895, 1897)
worn: $10 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $25
well preserved: $90
fully uncirculated: $200
1/4 birr dated EE1888 is rare, worth $300 in average circulated condition

1/2 BIRR (silver, 30 mm diameter, EE1887, 1888, 1889, 0.377 troy ounces silver)
worn: $15 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $25
well preserved: $90
fully uncirculated: $160
1/2 birr dated EE1888 is rare, worth $350 in average circulated condition

BIRR (silver, 40 mm diameter, EE1887, 1888, 1889, 1892, 1895, 0.754 troy ounces silver)
worn: $30 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $50
well preserved: $120
fully uncirculated: $350
1 birr dated EE1888 is very rare, only 200 were minted

1/4 WERK (gold, 16 mm diameter, EE1889, 0.051 troy ounces gold)
worn: $80 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $200
well preserved: $300
fully uncirculated: $400

1/2 WERK (gold, 18 mm diameter, EE1889, 0.101 troy ounces gold)
worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $200
well preserved: $300
fully uncirculated: $500

WERK (gold, 20 mm diameter, EE1889, 0.203 troy ounces gold)
worn: $200 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $300
well preserved: $500
fully uncirculated: $800

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