An historic relic, this Ethiopian cross was cut from a coin known as a silver thaler. Minted in Austria from 1870, it features Maria Theresa, empress of Austria and mother of Marie Antionette. Because of its uniform weight and purity this was the most widely traded coin in northern Africa for more than 150 years. Many of these coins were melted down to make jewelry in Ethiopia, including our other antique Coptic Christian crosses.
This example is a nice example of a cross cut directly from this coin. Please see our photograph of the cross pictured on top of one of the original coins. The cross dates from the 1840-1900 era.
Your cross will come complete with 20" sterling silver necklace, Certificate of Authenticity, and descriptive brochure about this fantastic relic.
