Gill, Dennis: The Coinage of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somalia

This is the definitive numismatic work on the coinage from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Italian Somalia. It includes coins, medals, tokens, patterns and some banknotes from this area but also considerable historical information on Ethiopia in numerous select chapters and in many cases the story behind the coins themselves. Prices included. Very scarce book.

By far the most outstanding work on Ethiopian numismatics and a must for any serious collector of this series.

Gill, Dennis, The Coinage of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Italian Somalia, Garden City, New York, 1991, 342 pages, hardcover with dust jacket, a numismatic history of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Italian Somalia from ancient to modern times, with a complete catalog of coins, banknotes and medals from the Amirs of Harar (1782) through the present including valuations. Includes a general non-numismatic history of the area, out of print.

This book is designed to give the reader a 'telescope' view back into time to view the progression of monetary development in the area of the Horn of Africa. Focusing on Ethiopia and the former colonies of Eritrea and Italian Somalia. It is also meant to provide a catalogue of known coins and other numismatic- related items of these areas. Part I begins by taking a brief look at Ethiopia's ancient money, the output of the Aksumite Kingdom which traded with the great Roman and Persian civilizations, it produced it's own gold, silver and bronze coinage. Various forms of primitive money is also discussed, with special emphasis on Ethiopia's "amole" or salt bar money. The famous Maria Theresa or "Levant" dollar of Austria is studied, and also the coinage of Ethiopia's mysterious walled city of Harar. Finally, Ethiopia's modern coinage is examined, first the beautiful coinage of Emperor Menelik, and then the issues of Empress Zauditu, Haile Selassie and the post-monarchical coinage. The issues of the Italian colonies of Eritrea and Italian Somalia are also discussed. Part II provides the collector and the dealer alike with a comprehensive enumeration of the coins, commemorative medals, tokens and paper money of Ethiopia and the two former Italian colonies. Of particular interest are a number of generally unknown patterns and medals of Ethiopia, listed here together for the first time. Detailed descriptions and comments are presented along with photographs of the items. Translations into English from the Amharic and other foreign languages are also given. Part III presents the reader with a historical overview. Ethiopia's early history is examined and the captivating tale of Solomon and Sheba is related according to Ethiopian tradition. The focus is then placed on Ethiopian murky middle ages, including the story of the enigmatic 'Pastor John' and the timely arrival of Portuguese warriors in defense of Ethiopia's Christianity. The British Expedition against the nineteenth century Emperor Theodore is highlighted as well as the ascendancy of Menelik and his victory at Adowa which preserved Ethiopia's freedom. The long rein of Ras Tafari (later Haile Selassie I) is traced, detailing his efforts to bring Ethiopia from a feudal state into the modern world. Finally a brief history of Italian Somalia is chronicled. Writer Denis Gill has been a professional numismatist for more than 20 years, specializing in the coins of African continent. With degrees from St. Johns and Adelphi Universities. Mr Gill has combined a numismatic career with interest ranging from archaeology to ecology and world events.

Weight: 1.400 kg. (packaging included)