Ethiopia Coin List

The official currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr, which has been the country's currency since 1976. The Ethiopian monetary system has a rich history dating back centuries, reflecting the culture and economic evolution of this Horn of Africa nation.

Ethiopian monetary history

Prior to the introduction of the modern birr, Ethiopia used various forms of money throughout its history. In the 19th century, the country adopted the Maria Theresa talero, an Austrian silver coin that circulated widely in the region. In 1894, Emperor Menelik II introduced the first Ethiopian birr, which coexisted with the talero until the early 20th century. During the Italian occupation (1936-1941), the Italian East African lira was used, but after liberation, Ethiopia reverted to the birr.

Modern Ethiopian Numismatics

The current birr is divided into 100 cents and exists in denominations ranging from 1 cent to 200 birr. Ethiopian coins and banknotes often feature images of historical leaders, such as Emperor Haile Selassie, as well as national symbols and landmarks. An important milestone in Ethiopian numismatics was the introduction of polymer banknotes in 2020, starting with the 5 birr denomination, which marked a significant advance in the security and durability of the country's currency.