All gold mules are rare and this mule is unique for several reasons. It is a gold mule struck as a SPECIMEN strike and was authenticated and certified by PCGS SP 63. It was struck on a heavier gold planchet weighing 9.09 grams instead of the standard 7.0 grams. And it was DOUBLE STRUCK with doubling evident on both the obverse and reverse.

It was struck at the Addis Ababa Mint. The Emperor Haile Salassie presented these mules to very special dignitaries and VIPs. The few that are known today are either circulated or barely uncirculated.

It is muled with the obverse die for the silver 1/8 Birr and the reverse die for the Menelik 1/32 Birr. It is .900 gold and has a diameter of 21mm. The obverse portrays the crowned bust of Emperor Haile Selassie, and the reverse depicts the crowned lion of Judah.

Somehow this unique Specimen strike survived. It was specially prepared as a Specimen strike and double struck on a heavier gold planchet. It is a rare combination of factors that makes this unique Specimen strike gold mule special and exciting.

Above is part of the reverse of a regular struck mule.




This picture above shows the distinct double struck
detail on the unique specimen striking.





Mules are featured in chapter 17 of my
NLG award winning book, World's Greatest Mint Errors.