Vintage collection of four State Bank of Ethiopia banknotes from the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I, featuring distinctive Ethiopian imagery, Amharic inscriptions and the Lion of Judah.
The collection includes:
• 100 Ethiopian Dollars / 100 Birr, 1956–1961 issue, Pick P-23 — Haile Selassie at right with Holy Trinity Church at left
• 1 Ethiopian Dollar / 1 Birr, 1945–1956 issue, Pick P-12 — Haile Selassie at left with oxen and farmer ploughing
• 1 Ethiopian Dollar / 1 Birr, 1956–1959 issue, Pick P-18 — Haile Selassie at right with coffee trees at left
• 10 Ethiopian Dollars / 10 Birr, 1956–1959 issue, Pick P-20 — Haile Selassie at right with Massawa harbour at left
The reverse designs feature the Lion of Judah, an important emblem associated with the Ethiopian monarchy and imperial era. Together, the two 1 Birr notes show the development of Ethiopian banknote design during Haile Selassie’s reign, while the 10 and 100 Birr notes add attractive red and purple-toned designs and higher denominations.
A characterful historical group for collectors of Ethiopian currency, African paper money, imperial history and engraved banknote design. Each note measures approximately 14.5 cm by 7.5 cm.