1407) Alexios I Komnenos (1048-1118), Legendary Byzantine Emperor (1081-1118): "EUROPA Silver Coin Series" or "Europa Coin Programme" or "European Star Programme": The Bank of Greece issues a Silver 10 Euro Proof Coin featuring the Early Gothic Era (1150-1250): Date of Coin issue: 13.07.2020:
The Bank of Greece is issuing on 13.07.2020, Silver Collector Coins featuring Alexios I Komnenos (1048-1118), which are a part of the multi-national Numismatic Programme titled "Europa Silver Star" Coin Series.
"Europa Coin Programme" or the "Europa Star Coin Programme":
The Europa Coin Programme is an initiative dedicated to issuing collector coins in precious metals which celebrate European identity.
Coins under this series are issued by the European Union's Eurozone Member States and the issuing authorities of the European Union Member Countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme.
The Europa Star Series highlights European achievements, anniversaries and common history or cultural ties.
Several countries have taken part in this programme, since its inception in 2004.
Some coins are denominated in Euros, while others are denominated in other currencies. These coins are all legal tender.
The Eurostar logo:
The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on these coins, which signify that they have been issued under the "Europa Coin Programme". The design of the logo is a stylised combination of an "E" (for Europe or the Euro Symbol) and a "Star" (often used to symbolise a member nation, for example, on the EU Flag).
The Eurostar logo
It is a requirement that the coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.
Other Standard features for coins issued under the Europa Programme:
a) The coins must be at least .900 Fine Silver or Gold and of Proof Quality.
b) The coins should be approx. "crown-sized", which allows for national traditions and ciustoms.
c) The coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly.
The themes over the past years for the Eorostar Programme Coin issues are:
2004 - EU Enlargement
2005 - Peace and Freedom
2006 - Distinguished European Figures
2007 - European Realisation
2008 - Cultural Heritage
2009 - European Heritage
2010 - European Architecture
2011 - European Explorers
2012 - European Visual Arts
2013 - European Writers
2014 - European Composers
2015 - Anniversary of the UNO
2016 - The Ages of Europe (through to 2020)
a) 2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass
b) 2018 - Baroque and Rococo
c) 2019 - Renaissance
d) 2020 - Gothic
(The Five Ages of Europe during the Gothic Era are further sub-divides into Early Gothic (1150-1250), High Gothic (1250-1375) and International Gothic (1375-1450), which spread to all Western Europe, as well as, much of Southern and Central Europe. Characteristically, Gothic is identified in terms of architecture as ornate and dramatic with intricately detailed stonework and stained glass, especially in cathedrals and churches.
For Europa - 2020, the Greek Coin issued by the Bank of Greece features a notable personality just before the early Gothic Era - Alexios I Komnenos (1048 - 1118):
He was Emperor from 1081 to 1118 and founded the Komnenos Dynasty, though he was not the first of his house to sit on the throne of Byzantium.
As a young man, he was noted for his great military successes, having survived shifts in the regime, he became the strong right arm of successive emperors and put down several uprisings/rebellions. He ascended the throne not by natural succession, but by overthrowing his predecessor Nikephoros III Botaneiates (reigned - 1078-1081) during a time of acute administrative, economic and military disarray. Driven to revolt, he secured the support of other aristocratic leaders and was proclaimed Emperor on 04.04.1081.
Alexios I, with considerable effort, succeeded in stabilising and consolidating the vast Byzantine State. He fought protracted wars against powerful enemies like the Normans, the Pechenegs from Central Asia, and the Seljuk Turks, who were also marauding their way from Central Asia. Realising his need for greater military strength, while at the same time anxious to cooperate with the papacy, Alexios I succeeded in ending the schism of 1054, between the Eastern and Western Churches.
He then sent appeals to the pope and others, urging Westerners to help him fight in the East, which resulted in him successfully working with the First Crusade by recovering substantial territories of the empire.
He is also remembered for having reformed the monetary system and reorganising the economy by abandoning the debased solidus tetarteron and histamenon and issuing a gold coinage with a purity of .900 to .950 fineness. First released in 1092, the coins were commonly referred to as the "hyperpyron", and with a nominal weight of 4.45 grams, they were slightly smaller than the ols solidus, but eminently trusted as a reliable source of trade or commerce and ultimately real wealth.
Along with the "hyperpyron", the "aspron trachy" worth a third of its gold counterpart was minted in electrum - a combination of 25% Gold and 75% Silver.
The "stamenon", a billon coin of primarily copper with silver plating (or wash), had a standard value of 48 pieces to one "hyperpyron". Copper coins known as "tetarterons" and "noummions" worth 18 and 36 to the "aspron trachy", were also placed into circulation.
Alexios I's reforms of the Byzantine Monetary System became an important basis for the financial recovery of Byzantine's future and sustenance. It is remembered today as the cornerstone for what was a secure so-called Komnenian restoration. The new coinage re-established financial confidence and enabled the empire to experience a revival not only of its economic fortunes, but also culturally and socially.
Around this time, the Literary Renaissance that had still begun in the 9th Century was still on-going and Byzantine artisans continued to produce masterpieces which have survived to this day.
The Gothic Era made its way into the Greek world via the Crusaders, leaving behind such interesting monuments as the "Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller" in Rhodes.
Alexios I passed away on 15.08.1118 and was succeeded by his eldest son John II Komnenos, who had been proclaimed co-emperor at the age of five in 1092 and was now emperor in his own right.
The Commemorative Coins:
The Reverse and Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin shown side-by-side
The Coins have been minted by the Hellenic Mint at their facilities in Athens on behalf of the Bank of Greece.
The Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is inspired by a tile mosaic of the Emperor Alexios I, front facing with a typical Byzantine-style crown resting on his head, signifying imperial supremacy.
A detail of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller in Rhodes features in the background of the Coin design.
The denomination of the coin is mentioned in Greek - "10 EURO.
The Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin depicts the Europa Star logo at the bottom and features common elements of the Europa Star Programme in the background.
This year's theme is mentioned in Greek - "GOTHIC ERA" along with the name of the issuing country in a circular arc above the Star.
In the centre is the National Crest of the Hellenic Republic - a crossed shield surrounded by a laurel wreath. The year of issue "2020" is shown at lower right and the mint mark of the Hellenic Mint is placed at lower left of the Star.
The specifications of this Silver Coin are:
Denomination: 10 Euro; Metal Composition: .925 Silver (Ag); Weight: 31.1 grams or 1 Oz; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Minted By: The Hellenic Mint; On Behalf of: The Bank of Greece; Designer: George Stamatopoulos; Year: 2020.
The Coin is presented in a custom Bank of Greece branded case and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the PLague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
15) Alexios I Komnenos (1048-1118), Legendary Byzantine Emperor (1081-1118): "EUROPA Silver Coin Series" or "Europa Coin Programme" or "European Star Programme": The Bank of Greece issues a Silver 10 Euro Proof Coin featuring the Early Gothic Era (1150-1250): Date of Coin issue: 13.07.2020
The Bank of Greece is issuing on 13.07.2020, Silver Collector Coins featuring Alexios I Komnenos (1048-1118), which are a part of the multi-national Numismatic Programme titled "Europa Silver Star" Coin Series.
"Europa Coin Programme" or the "Europa Star Coin Programme":
The Europa Coin Programme is an initiative dedicated to issuing collector coins in precious metals which celebrate European identity.
Coins under this series are issued by the European Union's Eurozone Member States and the issuing authorities of the European Union Member Countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme.
The Europa Star Series highlights European achievements, anniversaries and common history or cultural ties.
Several countries have taken part in this programme, since its inception in 2004.
Some coins are denominated in Euros, while others are denominated in other currencies. These coins are all legal tender.
The Eurostar logo:
The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on these coins, which signify that they have been issued under the "Europa Coin Programme". The design of the logo is a stylised combination of an "E" (for Europe or the Euro Symbol) and a "Star" (often used to symbolise a member nation, for example, on the EU Flag).
It is a requirement that the coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.
Other Standard features for coins issued under the Europa Programme:
a) The coins must be at least .900 Fine Silver or Gold and of Proof Quality.
b) The coins should be approx. "crown-sized", which allows for national traditions and ciustoms.
c) The coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly.
The themes over the past years for the Eorostar Programme Coin issues are:
2004 - EU Enlargement
2005 - Peace and Freedom
2006 - Distinguished European Figures
2007 - European Realisation
2008 - Cultural Heritage
2009 - European Heritage
2010 - European Architecture
2011 - European Explorers
2012 - European Visual Arts
2013 - European Writers
2014 - European Composers
2015 - Anniversary of the UNO
2016 - The Ages of Europe (through to 2020)
a) 2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass
b) 2018 - Baroque and Rococo
c) 2019 - Renaissance
d) 2020 - Gothic
(The Five Ages of Europe during the Gothic Era are further sub-divides into Early Gothic (1150-1250), High Gothic (1250-1375) and International Gothic (1375-1450), which spread to all Western Europe, as well as, much of Southern and Central Europe. Characteristically, Gothic is identified in terms of architecture as ornate and dramatic with intricately detailed stonework and stained glass, especially in cathedrals and churches.
For Europa - 2020, the Greek Coin issued by the Bank of Greece features a notable personality just before the early Gothic Era - Alexios I Komnenos (1048 - 1118):
He was Emperor from 1081 to 1118 and founded the Komnenos Dynasty, though he was not the first of his house to sit on the throne of Byzantium.
As a young man, he was noted for his great military successes, having survived shifts in the regime, he became the strong right arm of successive emperors and put down several uprisings/rebellions. He ascended the throne not by natural succession, but by overthrowing his predecessor Nikephoros III Botaneiates (reigned - 1078-1081) during a time of acute administrative, economic and military disarray. Driven to revolt, he secured the support of other aristocratic leaders and was proclaimed Emperor on 04.04.1081.
Alexios I, with considerable effort, succeeded in stabilising and consolidating the vast Byzantine State. He fought protracted wars against powerful enemies like the Normans, the Pechenegs from Central Asia, and the Seljuk Turks, who were also marauding their way from Central Asia. Realising his need for greater military strength, while at the same time anxious to cooperate with the papacy, Alexios I succeeded in ending the schism of 1054, between the Eastern and Western Churches.
He then sent appeals to the pope and others, urging Westerners to help him fight in the East, which resulted in him successfully working with the First Crusade by recovering substantial territories of the empire.
He is also remembered for having reformed the monetary system and reorganising the economy by abandoning the debased solidus tetarteron and histamenon and issuing a gold coinage with a purity of .900 to .950 fineness. First released in 1092, the coins were commonly referred to as the "hyperpyron", and with a nominal weight of 4.45 grams, they were slightly smaller than the ols solidus, but eminently trusted as a reliable source of trade or commerce and ultimately real wealth.
Along with the "hyperpyron", the "aspron trachy" worth a third of its gold counterpart was minted in electrum - a combination of 25% Gold and 75% Silver.
The "stamenon", a billon coin of primarily copper with silver plating (or wash), had a standard value of 48 pieces to one "hyperpyron". Copper coins known as "tetarterons" and "noummions" worth 18 and 36 to the "aspron trachy", were also placed into circulation.
Alexios I's reforms of the Byzantine Monetary System became an important basis for the financial recovery of Byzantine's future and sustenance. It is remembered today as the cornerstone for what was a secure so-called Komnenian restoration. The new coinage re-established financial confidence and enabled the empire to experience a revival not only of its economic fortunes, but also culturally and socially.
Around this time, the Literary Renaissance that had still begun in the 9th Century was still on-going and Byzantine artisans continued to produce masterpieces which have survived to this day.
The Gothic Era made its way into the Greek world via the Crusaders, leaving behind such interesting monuments as the "Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller" in Rhodes.
Alexios I passed away on 15.08.1118 and was succeeded by his eldest son John II Komnenos, who had been proclaimed co-emperor at the age of five in 1092 and was now emperor in his own right.
The Commemorative Coins:
The Coins have been minted by the Hellenic Mint at their facilities in Athens on behalf of the Bank of Greece.
A detail of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller in Rhodes features in the background of the Coin design.
The denomination of the coin is mentioned in Greek - "10 EURO.
This year's theme is mentioned in Greek - "GOTHIC ERA" along with the name of the issuing country in a circular arc above the Star.
In the centre is the National Crest of the Hellenic Republic - a crossed shield surrounded by a laurel wreath. The year of issue "2020" is shown at lower right and the mint mark of the Hellenic Mint is placed at lower left of the Star.
The specifications of this Silver Coin are:
Denomination: 10 Euro; Metal Composition: .925 Silver (Ag); Weight: 31.1 grams or 1 Oz; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Minted By: The Hellenic Mint; On Behalf of: The Bank of Greece; Designer: George Stamatopoulos; Year: 2020.
Other interesting posts on Greek Coinage and Commemorative Coins:
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the PLague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
15) Alexios I Komnenos (1048-1118), Legendary Byzantine Emperor (1081-1118): "EUROPA Silver Coin Series" or "Europa Coin Programme" or "European Star Programme": The Bank of Greece issues a Silver 10 Euro Proof Coin featuring the Early Gothic Era (1150-1250): Date of Coin issue: 13.07.2020
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