1310) 2,500 years since the Battle of Thermopylae: A 10 Euro Silver Proof coin and a 2 Euro Cupro-Nickel-Brass Coin brought out by the Bank of Greece: Date of Coin issue: 11.03.2020:
The rapid expansion of the Persian Empire inevitably brought it into collision with the Greek world in the 5th Century BC. After subduing the Greek cities of Ionia and then crushing their uprising, the Persians set out to punish Athens for having assisted the Ionian cities.
In 490 BC, King Darius sent an expeditionary force under Datis and Artaphernes against Athens. The Athenians, however, under the command of Miltiades, emerged victorious from the Battle of Marathon.
Ten years later, King Xerxes, determined to conquer Greece, led a far bigger army and navy against the Greeks.
The Battle of Thermopylae:
In the summer of 480 BC, some 7,000 Greek troops under Leonidas, King of Sparta, tried to halt the advance of the invading Persian army led by Xerxes.
Though vastly outnumbered, the Greeks decided to take up positions at the Straits of Thermopylae, which commanded the passage to mainland Greece.
When the Persian king invited them to surrender their arms, Leonidas famously countered in Greek - "come and take them".
Using the narrow pass to their advantage, the Greeks managed to hold their ground for two days, until they were betrayed by Ephialtes, who showed the Persians a mountain track used by shepherds, leading them behind the Greek lines, which ultimately led to the rear guard of the Greeks being decimated by the Persians. The Greeks made their stand against the vast Persian horde for seven days, of which three days were in battle with the Persians.
On the third day, Leonidas, realising that the battle was lost, dismissed the troops of other Greek cities, but chose to stay behind with his elite guard of 300 Spartans, the helots and the remaining Lacedemonians. They were joined by 700 Thespians, who also opted to stay. They all fell on the battlefield. With their courageous last stand, Leonidas and his comrades inspired the Greeks to continue their fight against the Persians, setting an everlasting example of heroism and self-denial.
The Greeks self-sacrifice in the Battle of Thermopylae is a timeless inspiration for every nation fighting for freedom.
The Reverse of the two Euro Commemorative Coin seen against an image of King Leonidas leading his troops
The Aftermath:
Although the Persians prevailed in the Battle of Thermopylae, they suffered a crushing defeat ai Salamis, largely due to the brilliant command of Themistocles. Two further Greek victories in 479 BC, in the Battles of Plataea (on land) and Mykale (at sea), sealed the expulsion of the Persians from Greece. The defeat of the Persian invasion saved the Greek world from enslavement and enabled classical civilisation to flourish.
The Commemorative Coins:
The Silver issue:
On the Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is seen an image of an ancient Greek warrior with a shield and spear.
On the warrior's shield is inscribed the year of issue - "2020" and the palmette mint mark of the Greek Mint.
On the Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is depicted a battle scene, with the Greek defenders at left and the invading Persian Army at right.
On the warrior's shield is inscribed the year of issue - "2020" and the palmette mint mark of the Greek Mint.
The specifications of the 10 Euro Silver Coin are:
Denomination: 10 Euro; Diameter/Size: 40.0 mm; Weight: 34.10 grams; Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 6,000 pieces; Designer: G. Stamatopoulos; Date of Coin issue: 11.03.2020.
Remarks: The Coins are shipped in beautiful Presentation Cases and are accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
On the Reverse of the 2 Euro Cupro-Nickel-Brass Proof Coin is depicted a Greek helmet in the centre, which pays a tribute to the Greek bravery and heroism in the battle between a small group of Greeks and a huge army of Persians fought in the summer of 480 BC at the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae.
The Coin's outer ring features the 12 Stars of the European Union. Inscribed along the inner edge are the words "2500 YEARS SINCE THE BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE" and "HELLENIC REPUBLIC".
Also inscribed on this face is the year of issue - "2020" and the mint mark of the Greek mint - a palmette. To the right of the helmet is the monogram of the designer George Stamatopoulos.
On the Obverse of the 2 Euro Cupro-Nickel-Brass Proof Coin is depicted the common design for all Euro Circulation coins.
The Coin's outer ring features the 12 Stars of the European Union. Inscribed along the inner edge are the words "2500 YEARS SINCE THE BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE" and "HELLENIC REPUBLIC".
Also inscribed on this face is the year of issue - "2020" and the mint mark of the Greek mint - a palmette. To the right of the helmet is the monogram of the designer George Stamatopoulos.
On the Obverse of the 2 Euro Cupro-Nickel-Brass Proof Coin is depicted the common design for all Euro Circulation coins.
The specifications of the 2 Euro Cupro-nickel Coin are:
Denomination: 2 Euro; Diameter/Size: 25.75 mm; Weight: 8.50 grams; Thickness: 2.20 mm; Edge: Fine milled/Edge lettering; Metal Composition: Outer Ring: Copper Nickel; Inner core: Nickel Brass; Mintage: 300,000 pieces (with a mintage limit of 750,000 pieces); Coin Quality: Proof; Designer: G. Stamatopoulos;
Remarks: The Coins are shipped in beautiful Presentation Cases and are accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Other interesting posts on Greek Coinage and Commemorative Coins:
11) Alcaeus of Mytilene, Greek Poet (620-560 BC), Greece: "Greek Culture Coin Series" : A Silver Proof Crown Coin issued by the Bank of Greece:Issue Date: 17.09.2019
12) 2,500 years since the Battle of Thermopylae: A 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin and a 2 Euro Cupro-Nickel-Brass Coin brought out by the Bank of Greece: Date of Coin issue:11.03.2020
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