Antique Ethiopian Cross Pendant made from Maria Theresa Thaler. Age: between 100-130 years

Price: 250 Euro - no offers please Location: Meath Condition: Antique, naturally aged Material: Silver (from original Austrian Maria Theresa Thaler) This is not just jewellery – it’s a true historical artefact. A hand-cut Ethiopian Coptic cross pendant, made from an authentic Austrian Maria Theresa thaler – a silver coin historically used in trade across Africa and the Middle East from the 18th to 20th century. These crosses were crafted by Orthodox Christian artisans in Ethiopia or Eritrea and worn as spiritual protection and personal talismans. This particular cross preserves the imperial imagery of the thaler: the double-headed eagle, Latin inscriptions, and the bust of the Empress. It is worn and naturally polished with time, a sign of long use and real heritage. The coin itself was minted in Austria, as all Maria Theresa thalers were — even those used far beyond Europe. It likely traveled through Ottoman, Arabic, or Italian trade routes to East Africa, where it was transformed by a local Christian craftsman into a sacred cross. For decades, perhaps over a century, it may have been worn and passed down across generations. Please see here for more information: https://vanishingarts.gallery/the-evolution-and-brilliance-of-ethiopian-crosses/ How it reached the Caribbean is a mystery — but this much is certain: I found it around 10 years ago, in a small, quiet shop on the island of Terre-de-Haute / Les Saintes Archipelago while sailing through the Caribbean. Perhaps brought there by a traveler, collector, or sailor, it was waiting to be found. I’ve kept and valued it since. Now it feels right to let it continue its journey. If you appreciate history, spirituality, and authenticity, this cross may be for you. No replicas. No hype. Just silver, soul, and story.