Greece: Bicentenary of independence celebrated on new €2 commemorative coins

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The Bank of Greece has issued (22nd April) new commemorative €2 coins marking the country’s bicentenary of independence which was launched by declaration, then revolution, against Ottoman rule on the 25th March 1821.

With the fateful capitulation of Constantinople, capital and primary city of Byzantium in 1453, much of what was left of the provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire came under the rule of the Ottomans. This would last for nearly four centuries, but for the determination of the Greeks, who would push for their eventual independence and liberty. In fact, it was the first act of defiance of the Greeks in the Balkans that would eventually see the remaining peoples and countries liberate themselves and emerge into many of the countries in the region we know today. Greek independence was recognised by the leading European powers of the day with the signing of the London Protocol on the 3rd February 1830 and which formally established the modern Greek state. The country with a reduced territory and without the inclusion of their one-time capital Constantinople would be modelled on that of a constitutional monarchy with their continued national integrity and freedom guaranteed by Great Britain, France, and Russia. It would not be until July 1832 with the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople by the Ottoman Sultan that the new Greek state was finally free of its occupiers.

American recognition of Greek independence was achieved in November 1837 when America’s representative in London signed a treaty of commerce and navigation with Greece’s representative also in London. That act marked the first negotiation of the United States with Greece and became de-facto recognition of Greece as a sovereign nation, and, that same year, the first American consul took up his position in Athens.

Ultimately, further battles against the Ottomans over the 50 fifty years would both increase Greek territory and unite Greek peoples, furthering the national aspirations of other peoples in the Balkans. The present-day borders constituting the Hellenic (Greek) Republic was achieved when the Dodecanese Islands were once more repatriated to Greece by Italy two years after the end of the Second World War.

The €2 bi-metallic coins are produced by the Hellenic Mint at their facilities in Athens, on behalf of the Bank of Greece, and are designed by acclaimed artist George Stamatopoulos. The central design of the coin features the Greek flag at the centre, encircled by laurel branches. Inscribed along the inner edge is the inscription 1821-2021 200 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ (“200 years since the Greek revolution”) and ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ (“Hellenic Republic”). Visible below the primary design and between two laurel branches, is a palmette, which is the mintmark of the Greek Mint and the stylised signature of the artist. The coin’s outer ring features the 12 stars which are representative of the European Union. The common or reverse side on the commemorative coin and the edge lettering are the same as those seen on regular issue €2 coins.

Denom.

Metal 

Weight  Diameter  Quality 

Maximum Mintage 

Two euro

Bi-metallic

 8.5 g 25.7 mm Uncirculated

1,470,000

Two euro

Bi-metallic

8.5 g 25.7 mm Brilliant Unc.

20,000

Two euro

Bi-metallic

8.5 g 25.7 mm Proof

10,000

Each Proof-quality coin is presented in a custom Bank of Greece-branded black coloured case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The Brilliant Uncirculated examples are housed in a blister-pak type card with historic illustrations. Collectors residing in Greece can visit the Bank of Greece’s headquarters in Athens but should inquire about opening hours during the current coronavirus precautions. Those outside Greece are asked to e-mail the following mailing address: Serv.NumProd@bankofgreece.gr.

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