Ethiopia, Empire. A Coronation Medal Of Haile Selassie I, I Class Gold Grade, C.1935

Type II with text "Meeyazheya" below the portrait. Instituted in 1930. In bronze gilt, measuring 41.2 mm in diameter, discolouration evident on the reverse, scattered gilt wear, edge nicks, contact marks, on its original ribbon, fine.

Footnote: The Coronation Medal of Haile Selassie I was created for the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930. Haile Selassie (1892-1975) claimed to be a direct descendant of the 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.