Hellas (Greece)

Monetary System
Mintmarks
Circulating Coins

1 Drachma = 100 Lepta
Anthemion flower
Drachma(s): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100

On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions of member countries; Three years later, on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions with the member countries

Greece achieved her independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations.In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.

Borders	Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 246 km
Economy	Population: 10,647,529 (July 2004 est.) GDP per capita: $ 20060.99

Greece boasts of one of the world's oldest currencies, the Drachma. When production of these coins ceased at the end of 2001, this currency had already circulated for some 2500 years. The Banknote Printing Works of the Bank of Greece was established before World War II, with the construction of the building complex and the installation of the first banknote printing presses. After the war, a number of highly qualified art-designers, engravers, engineers and other staff were recruited and set to work with the help of the best machinery available at the time to print the first banknotes, which were circulated in 1947.

The year 1971 was marked by the establishment of the Hellenic Mint, which was organized according to West European standards and was equipped to produce dies and strike ordinary coins, commemorative coins, medals, etc. The Hellenic Mint strikes circulating and collectors coins and medals in its premises near Athens, the capital city of Hellas, continuing the long history and heritage of the Hellenic Coinage. Hellas specializes in striking coins with themes reflecting the rich ancient and modern Hellenic history, art and culture, because the international coin market indicates preference of collectors for these coins.

2002 Brilliant Uncirculated set (8 coins) obverse (37Kb) and reverse (39Kb),
2000 Proof Set (7 coins),
2000 Brilliant Uncirculated set (obverse (37Kb) and reverse (39Kb),
1993 Proof set (7 coins) obverse (84Kb) and reverse (82Kb),
1992 Brilliant Uncirculated set (7 coins) obverse (30Kb) and reverse (24Kb),
1978 Brilliant Uncirculated set (8 coins) obverse (29Kb) and reverse (29Kb),
1973A Brilliant Uncirculated set (8 coins) obverse (82Kb) and reverse (29Kb),
1973B Brilliant Uncirculated set (8 coins) obverse (69Kb) and reverse (75Kb),
1965 Proof set (8 coins) obverse (82Kb) and reverse (29Kb),
1926 First Greek Republican Coins (7 coins) obverse (25Kb) and reverse (23Kb).

For further information, contact the Hellenic Mint, Messogion Ave., 341 Halandri, Athens, Hellas, 152 31 - Telephone 6721034