Ethiopia 50 Santim (Lion of Judah / Revolutionaries)

Ethiopia (Democratic Republic under Communist Rule) · EE1969 (equivalent to 1977 AD)

A silver-colored coin featuring a roaring lion's head on one side and a group of five revolutionary figures on the other.

Country: Ethiopia (Democratic Republic under Communist Rule)
Year: EE1969 (equivalent to 1977 AD)
Denomination: 50 Santim
Metal: Copper-Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 21, 2026More ethiopia (democratic republic under communist rule) coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored coin featuring a roaring lion's head on one side and a group of five revolutionary figures on the other.

Historical significance

This coin was issued by the Derg, the military junta that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie. It reflects socialist realism, depicting five figures representing the 'worker, peasant, soldier, intellectual, and woman' joined in revolutionary struggle.

Obverse (front)

A stylized roaring lion's head facing right, symbolizing the Lion of Judah, with Ge'ez script above and below.

Reverse (back)

Five standing figures representing different classes of society holding various tools/weapons (including a sickle and book), with the large numeral '50' above and Ge'ez text below.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5.00 - $10.00 in Uncirculated (MS) condition.

What drives this coin's value

Most specimens are common. Value is primarily driven by high grade (Mint State) and eye appeal. Collectors occasionally seek out variants in metal quality.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine (EF). The lion's mane shows some minor smoothing from light wear, but the overall details of the revolutionary figures remain sharp.

Mintage & rarity

Extremely common; over 50 million produced for this year which had several restrikes.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for crispness in the Ge'ez lettering. Genuine coins have sharp reeding on the edges. Counterfeits are rare for this low-value denomination but may appear as cast copies in base metals.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional die cracks or minor strike doubling, though no major high-value varieties are widely recognized for this date.

Similar coins

Often confused with the imperial era 50 Santim coins which feature a full-bodied lion holding a cross rather than just a stylized head.

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin holder to prevent environmental damage. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value and surface original luster.