1085) Alcaeus of Mytilene, Greek Poet (620 BC - 560 BC), Greece: "Greek Culture Coin Series": A Silver Proof Crown Coin issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin Issue Date: 17.09.2019:
The Bank of Greece is issuing on 17.09.2019 a new Silver Proof Crown Coin as a part of their on-going Commemorative Coin Series titled "Greek Culture".
The Obverse of the Commemorative Coin depicts a classical scene of Alcaeus instructing a seated female figure on how to play the lyre
Alcaeus of Mytilene (620 BC - 560 BC), whose work was highly esteemed in the ancient world. He is credited with inventing the "Alcaic stanza".
Born in an aristocratic family, Alcaeus lived through turbulent times. Alcaeus took an active part in the various conflicts that arose, for which he was exiled. A contemporary of and alleged lover of Sappho, (610 BC - 570 BC), a Greek lyric poet, greatly admired in all ages for the beauty of her writing style, with whom he exchanged poems.
Alcaeus was himself one of the canonical nine lyric poets of Ancient Greece. A collection of Alcaeus's surviving poems was assembled in 10 books, which are now lost in the mists of time, which were compiled by scholars in Alexandria, Egypt in the second century BC.
Alcaeus was himself one of the canonical nine lyric poets of Ancient Greece. A collection of Alcaeus's surviving poems was assembled in 10 books, which are now lost in the mists of time, which were compiled by scholars in Alexandria, Egypt in the second century BC.
Alcaeus was an inspiration for the Roman poet Horace (65 BC - 27 AD), who borrowed the Alcaic stanza. This unique style was composed of four lines of varied metrical feet, with five long syllables in the first two lines, four in the third and fourth lines and an unaccented syllable at the beginning of the first three lines.
He is remembered for having composed monodies in the local Aeolian dialect, of which only fragments survive present day.
Because of his challenge of political turbulence during his lifetime, much of his poetry is political in nature, with conservatism, in which realism and idealism co-exist, although idealism is limited by the norms and goals of the poet's political faction.
He also wrote hymns to Gods, love poems, as well as, drinking songs, for which he was very popular.
Other fragments of Alcaeus's work that have survived - accurately and poignantly convey the atmosphere and customs of everyday life in sixth-Century Mytilene. He wrote of the ships visiting the harbour and of rivers, even writing about a girl's beauty contest.
He found subjects to write about in a flock of wigeon ducks in flight and in the flowers that signalled the start of spring. He managed to convey the spirit and the values of the City-States of the Aegean, through of political and non-political verses. For example, one of his more well-known declarations was -
"True greatness lies not in well-fashioned houses, nor in walls, canals and dockyards, but in men who use whatever fortune sends them."
The Commemorative Coin:
The Hellenic State Mint has minted this Proof-quality SilverCrown-sized coin at their facility in Athens, on behalf of the Bank of Greece.
The Hellenic State Mint has minted this Proof-quality SilverCrown-sized coin at their facility in Athens, on behalf of the Bank of Greece.
The Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof coin recreates a typical classical scene of Alcaeus instructing the playing of a lyre by a seated female figure.
The denomination "10 EYPQ" (or "10 EURO") is seen the centre. Along the outer periphery is inscribed "EAAHNIK'H AHMOKPAT'IA" (meaning "HELLENIC REPUBLIC") . The Hellenic Crest (Emblem) is placed at lower left of the seated figure.
The denomination "10 EYPQ" (or "10 EURO") is seen the centre. Along the outer periphery is inscribed "EAAHNIK'H AHMOKPAT'IA" (meaning "HELLENIC REPUBLIC") . The Hellenic Crest (Emblem) is placed at lower left of the seated figure.
The Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin depicts a classically sculpted left-facing bust of Alcaeus surrounded by a traditional Greek-key border.
The text in Greek reads - "AAKAIOE" and is placed on the right periphery. The year of issue "2019" and the mint mark of the Hellenic Mint are engraved at centre left.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination: 10 Euros; Metal Composition: .925 Silver (Ag); Weight: 34.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 1,200 pieces; Minted by: The Hellenic State Mint; On behalf of: The Bank of Greece; Designer/Engraver: George Stamatopoulos; Year of issue: 2019.
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a matte black leatherette custom case and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
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