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Greek commemorative euros
Euro commemorative coins are commemorative variations of euro circulation coins, in the sense that they have a different national side from the standard one, and commemorate a specific event or personality. They comply with the denominations and with the technical specifications of euro circulation coins and have legal tender status throughout the euro area. As these coins must bear one of the common sides, the commemorative feature must appear on the national side so that the common side remains unaffected. The volume of coins and/or the production period of this coin variation are limited. It has been agreed between Member States and the Commission that all commemorative coin issues would be limited to a single coin denomination (€2)
Euro collector coins, on the other hand, are not intended for circulation and must differ from regular euro coins, therefore:
- Their face value is different;
- They do not use images which are similar to the common and national sides of the circulation coins;
- Colour, diameter and weight differ significantly from the coins intended for circulation in at least two of these three characteristics
- The legal tender status of these coins is also limited to the country of issue
Athens 2004 commemorative coins
Within the framework of the Olympic Coin Program, the Greek Mint issued a series of commemorative coins, Gold and Silver, on which Greek history and heritage were engraved. The total collection includes 18 coins (6 Gold and 12 Silver) which were released in 6 quarterly issues, each consisting of 1 Gold and 2 Silver coins.
These coins are presented on a separate page, with high resolution images and detailed information.
 Obverse - Reverse EUR 20
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KM#: 210 Diameter (mm): 37 Weight (g): 24 Shape: Round Colour: Silver Issue date: 2003 Composition: Silver 925/100 Description: The Bank of Greece was established in 1927, a few years after World War I and the Asia Minor Disaster, by an Annex to the Geneva Protocol of September 15, 1927. In the 75 years of its existence, the Bank has had 18 Governors and 28 Deputy Governors. It began operations on May 14, 1928, under the first Governor Alexandros Diomidis and its 25th and 50th anniversaries (under Governors Georgios Mantzavinos and Xenophon Zolotas, respectively) were celebrated with pomp and circumstance. The 75th anniversary occured at a time when the Bank, under Governor Nicholas C. Garganas, was a member of the European System of Central Banks.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 28.25 Weight (g): 9.75 Thickness (mm): 1.92 Shape: Spanish flower shape Colour: Silver Issue date: 2007 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: Nikos Kazantzakis (1885-1957), Greek author and translator, whose best-known work in English is the novel Zorba the Greek. He was born in Candia (now Iraklion), Crete (Kr?ti), and educated at the University of Athens, where he received his law degree. After graduating he went to France, where he studied philosophy under Henri Bergson. Also well-known in English is his novel 'The Greek Passion', about the reenactment of a passion play in a Greek village.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 28.25 Weight (g): 9.75 Thickness (mm): 1.92 Shape: Spanish flower shape Colour: Silver Issue date: 2007 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: Maria Callas (1923-1977), American-born Greek operatic soprano, the preeminent prima donna (lead female opera singer) of her day, and the first modern soprano to revive forgotten operas of the 19th-century bel canto repertoire. Callas revolutionized opera performances through her vocal and dramatic intensity, transforming what had traditionally been empty display pieces into serious drama. She drew praise for the distinctive color of her voice, her dramatic presence, and her careful musicianship.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 40 Weight (g): 34 Shape: Round Colour: Silver Issue date: 13/8/2007 - 31/12/2008 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: Valia Kalda means warm valley. Spreading over 6,8 acres, it is the biggest and most important national park of Greece. Its official name is the National Park of southern Pindos. It is situated at the mountain range of Pindos, around 25km north of Metsovo, at the borders of Ioannina and Grevena. The tour of the valley, which was named "warm," as its temperature is 10-15 degrees lower than the mountains around it, is a unique experience.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 40 Weight (g): 34 Shape: Round Colour: Silver Issue date: 13/8/2007 - 31/12/2008 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: The river of Arkoudorema passes through the national park in Valia Kalda. The flora is just as impressive, with hundreds of types of trees, herbs, flowers and other plants which can only be found there. The geology and the flora are remnants of the ice age, as are twin lakes Flega at the centre of the park. There are no paved roads in the national park. Visitors can walk at the marked paths, the most famous of which is E6, which passes through rivers and lakes before ending up at the springs lake of Aoos Rivers.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 40 Weight (g): 34 Shape: Round Colour: Silver Issue date: 2006 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, its altitude ranging from 600 (near Litohoro, Pieria Perfecture) to 2,917 meters (at its highest peak, Pantheon or Mytikas). In 1987 the mountain was declared a National Park, the first in Greece, and in 1981 Unesco declared it an "International Biosphere Reserve". Dion is a municipality and village located at the foot of Mount Olympus, best known for its museum and archaeological site. The Ancient city of Dion was a place of some importance and it owes its name to the important sanctuary dedicated to Zeus (Greek "Dias").
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 40 Weight (g): 34 Shape: Round Colour: Silver Issue date: 2006 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: In Greek mythology, Zeus was the son of Cronus and Rhea and the highest ranking god among the Olympian gods. He was god of the sky and thunder and his attributes included thunder and the lightning bolt, the scepter, and the eagle. Zeus (in Greek Dias) was the ruler of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the home of the gods. In 1987 the mountain was declared a National Park and in 1981 Unesco declared it an "International Biosphere Reserve".
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10 |
KM#: Diameter (mm): 28.25 Thickness (mm): 1.92 Weight (g): 9.75 Shape: Spanish flower shape Colour: Silver Issue date: 2006 (only in Blisters) Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: In 2006, Patras set off on a unique travel following the course of culture and development. Through music, drama, visual arts and dance, the capital of Achaia took advantage of the historical opportunity of being appointed as European Capital of Culture in order to come to the fore and show its virtues. This coin commemorates the event that signalled a new development course for Patras and serves as a reminder of the fact that culture can stimulate the economy and promote development.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 10
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KM#: 208 Diameter (mm): 28.25 Thickness (mm): 1.92 Weight (g): 9.75 Shape: Spanish flower shape Colour: Silver Issue date: 2003 Composition: Silver 925/100 Edge: Smooth Description: During the first half of 2003, Greece held the EU Presidency for the fourth time since its accession to the European Communities in 1981. The Greek Presidency marked the new era on which the European Union embarked in view of enlargement, with the signing of the Accession Treaty in Athens on 16 April. The logo of the Greek Presidency was inspired by Greek history - a fresco discovered at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini which dates back 4,500 years, the individual elements of which are expressive of both Greece and Europe.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 2
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KM#: Diameter (mm): 25.75 Thickness (mm): 2.20 Weight (g): 8.50 Shape: Round Colour: Outer part: white; inner part: yellow Issue date: 2007 Composition: Outer part: copper-nickel; inner part: three layers: nickel brass, nickel, nickel brass Edge: Description:The 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome was celebrated on 25 March 2007. The Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community and notably paved the way for the introduction of the euro in 1999 and euro banknotes and coins in 2002. The euro-area Member States decided to issue a common commemorative 2-euro circulation coin on this occasion and the European Mints organised a competition to select the most attractive design. A jury composed of Ms Ber?s, representing the European Parliament, Mr Junker as President of the Eurogroup, and Commissioner Almunia selected, on 5 May 2006, the winning design. It shows the Treaty signed by the six founding countries on a background evocating the paving (designed by Michelangelo) of the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, where the Treaty was signed on 25 March 1957. Some elements, such as the name of the issuing country, the mintmark and the language(s) of the legend, will differ from country to country.
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 Obverse - Reverse EUR 2
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KM#: 209 Diameter (mm): 25.75 Thickness (mm): 2.20 Weight (g): 8.50 Shape: Round Colour: Outer part: white; inner part: yellow Issue date: 2004 Composition: Outer part: copper-nickel; inner part: three layers: nickel brass, nickel, nickel brass Edge: Description: The Discus Thrower, a life-size statue by Myron of Eleutherae, was made in about 450 BC, the classical period of Greek art. The sculpture, originally in bronze, survives only as a Roman copy in marble. The composition of the piece incorporates two intersecting arcs, creating a feeling of movement and tension. Considered by many to represent the perfect athletic form, Discobolos is renowend for its contribution to the contraposito form of sculpture. Discobolus athletes engaged in the discus throw boast vigorous and convincing movement in a perfect made form. His flexing muscles and concentrated expression create a strong impression. The coin was formally introduced in a press conference held on May 14, 2004.
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