Ethiopia. A Coronation Medal of Emperor Haile Selassie I, Silver Grade

In silver, measuring 40 mm in diameter, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The medal was created for the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930 and was manufactured by the Paris Mint. Haile Selassie (1892-1975) claimed direct descent from The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. He became Crown Prince and Regent in 1916 and was Emperor from 1930 to 1974 when the winds of change brought a Marxist military junta to power. His greatest challenge arose from the Italian invasion of 1935 and he is best remembered for his moving and dignified speech to the General Assembly of the League of Nations, being the only head of state ever to address that assembly, which won him instant worldwide acclaim and respect that he never lost.