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Posted 06/02/2016 07:07 am
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the very few African countries to have issued quite some silver and gold coins in the past (also for circulation). This might have to do with Ethiopia being the only African country that hadn't been turned into a colony in the 19th century (just a few years by Italy in the 20th). The Ethiopian currency is the Birr, which is divided in Santeem. One USD should get you over 20 Birr. The current series of coins include 1 Birr and 50, 25, 10 and 5 Santeem. 1 Santeem isn't used anymore. Most coins have been minted abroad: the Royal Canadian Mint won a tender for some 1 Birr coins, for example.
The current series of coins looks, at least in my opinion, beautiful. It is fairly simple to get all of the current circulation coins (and in almost uncirculated condition, too), by just going around and buying stuff. Finding nice places to buy stuff will probably be a bigger challenge, though...
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital of the country and hosts about 3,5 million (registered) people. The actual number probably is a lot higher, as there also are a LOT of homeless people around and people living in slums, who never get registered.
This provides also one of your main concerns: the huge amount of poverty and subsequent criminality (pickpockets), especially targeting 'rich' people. Also be aware of many locals who just attach themselves to you in the more 'touristic' places of town. And avoid any invitation for coffee or traditional dances. A lot of Western people mainly visit the resort or conference center they're bound to and perhaps a few museums, but all by taxi (which might yet be another scam). I even got strongly recommended not to leave my hotel at night as it wasn't safe...
The main square is Meskel Square, which houses a marathon length running lane. It's really nice to see talented locals training marathon running here during the day, especially early in the morning, and to see small sales ventures and food stalls come to life during the late afternoon and evening. Also, most of the shops are around here and in connecting streets. Don't expect much, though. And expect a thorough control of yourself and your luggage before getting into any shop or mall. In addition, I really recommend visiting the Red Terror museum and the National Museum.
Based on the above, you probably already figured that finding a coin shop isn't going to happen. There are some jewellery and pawn shops around, especially in the city center, but expect to find nothing of numismatic interest here. Expect nothing from banks either. If you want to buy Ethiopian (commemorative) coins or bullion I recommend that you do so in your own country, as it's much safer and the chance of actually finding it is much bigger.
Dire Dawa
Dire Dawa is one of the largest cities in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, it's quite hard to find a hotel, let alone a hotel that fits Western standards: Just two sort of fit the bill (contact me if you need more information). Transport from the airport is either in an ancient Peugeot 203 or 204 or in a tuktuk and largely goes over unpaved roads. If they even run... expect long lines of vehicles for the scarcely stocked gas stations. Also expect no more than basic daily needs on the markets: you won't find coins but you may find a living chicken or two, next to a lot of fruit and other natural products. Also, don't give any coin or note to any beggar. If you start, you'll instantly find yourself surrounded by hundreds of them who won't let you go until they also got your money.
Needless to say, coin shops are too big a luxury for this town.
What I recommend is that you get some nice coins in circulation and enjoy those as they are. Keep any Ethiopian numismatic ambitions for outside Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is one of the very few African countries to have issued quite some silver and gold coins in the past (also for circulation). This might have to do with Ethiopia being the only African country that hadn't been turned into a colony in the 19th century (just a few years by Italy in the 20th). The Ethiopian currency is the Birr, which is divided in Santeem. One USD should get you over 20 Birr. The current series of coins include 1 Birr and 50, 25, 10 and 5 Santeem. 1 Santeem isn't used anymore. Most coins have been minted abroad: the Royal Canadian Mint won a tender for some 1 Birr coins, for example.
The current series of coins looks, at least in my opinion, beautiful. It is fairly simple to get all of the current circulation coins (and in almost uncirculated condition, too), by just going around and buying stuff. Finding nice places to buy stuff will probably be a bigger challenge, though...
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital of the country and hosts about 3,5 million (registered) people. The actual number probably is a lot higher, as there also are a LOT of homeless people around and people living in slums, who never get registered.
This provides also one of your main concerns: the huge amount of poverty and subsequent criminality (pickpockets), especially targeting 'rich' people. Also be aware of many locals who just attach themselves to you in the more 'touristic' places of town. And avoid any invitation for coffee or traditional dances. A lot of Western people mainly visit the resort or conference center they're bound to and perhaps a few museums, but all by taxi (which might yet be another scam). I even got strongly recommended not to leave my hotel at night as it wasn't safe...
The main square is Meskel Square, which houses a marathon length running lane. It's really nice to see talented locals training marathon running here during the day, especially early in the morning, and to see small sales ventures and food stalls come to life during the late afternoon and evening. Also, most of the shops are around here and in connecting streets. Don't expect much, though. And expect a thorough control of yourself and your luggage before getting into any shop or mall. In addition, I really recommend visiting the Red Terror museum and the National Museum.
Based on the above, you probably already figured that finding a coin shop isn't going to happen. There are some jewellery and pawn shops around, especially in the city center, but expect to find nothing of numismatic interest here. Expect nothing from banks either. If you want to buy Ethiopian (commemorative) coins or bullion I recommend that you do so in your own country, as it's much safer and the chance of actually finding it is much bigger.
Dire Dawa
Dire Dawa is one of the largest cities in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, it's quite hard to find a hotel, let alone a hotel that fits Western standards: Just two sort of fit the bill (contact me if you need more information). Transport from the airport is either in an ancient Peugeot 203 or 204 or in a tuktuk and largely goes over unpaved roads. If they even run... expect long lines of vehicles for the scarcely stocked gas stations. Also expect no more than basic daily needs on the markets: you won't find coins but you may find a living chicken or two, next to a lot of fruit and other natural products. Also, don't give any coin or note to any beggar. If you start, you'll instantly find yourself surrounded by hundreds of them who won't let you go until they also got your money.
Needless to say, coin shops are too big a luxury for this town.
What I recommend is that you get some nice coins in circulation and enjoy those as they are. Keep any Ethiopian numismatic ambitions for outside Ethiopia.
I haven't always put effort in numismatics, but when I have had and if it wasn't too long ago, I will post the country as such. Anyway, I travel a lot for my work and in my private life. Last year the counter came to 200+ flights, 150 nights in hotels and 20+ countries visited. I hope to cut down this year.
