Old Coptic Cross – Maria Theresa Thaler, Northen Ethiopia

Silver. 4.8 × 4.0 cm (1.89 × 1.57 inches); Weight: 21.8 g (0.77 oz). This cross is decorated on both sides.

The Maria Theresa Thaler is one of the most famous and widely recognized coins in the world.

Originally struck in Austria between 1740 and 1780, the Thaler served as the currency of the Austrian Empire and played a crucial role in trade with the Levant (including parts of Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria). Over time, the Maria Theresa Thaler became the most trusted and popular silver coin in the Arab world and even functioned as an unofficial currency in parts of Africa and Asia. The 1780 Thaler was the only silver coin that Arabs consistently trusted and accepted.

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