2421) "The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus", Hellenic Republic of Greece: "Greek Culture Coin Series": A €50 (Fifty Euro) Gold Coin minted by the Mint of Greece on behalf of the Bank of Greece commemorates this well-preserved/revived theatre of Antiquity: Date of Coin issue: 2022:
“CULTURAL HERITAGE - THE ANCIENT THEATRE OF EPIDAURUS”:
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best preserved of antiquity, is located on the grounds of a sanctuary to the healing god Asclepius.
Attributed to the architect Polykleitos the Younger, it was constructed in the late 4th century BC, with subsequent additions. The cavea of the theatre, built into the natural hillside, comprises an upper and lower tier, separated by a walkway.
The circular orchestra, 19.54 m. in diameter, was where the chorus performed, while the actors moved about the proscenium of a two-storey stage building, of which only the foundations survive. At a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 spectators, the theatre hosted music, singing and dramatic games that were included in the worship of Ascelpius.
The theatre was also used as a means to heal patients, since there was a belief that the observation of dramatic shows had positive effects on mental and physical health.
Excavated by Panagiotis Kavvadias in 1881-83, the theatre required only limited restoration.
The first modern-day revival of Greek drama at Epidaurus was Sophocles' tragedy "Electra" directed by Dimitris Rontiris in 1938, starring Katina Paxinou and Elini Papadaki.
Performances stopped due to World War II.
Since 1954, the theatre has become the venue of the "Epidaurus Festival", hosting mainly ancient tragedy and comedy productions.
Since 1955, the "Epidaurus Festival" became an organised annual event.
Thousands of spectators thus have an opportunity every summer to admire the theatre’s renowned acoustics and enjoy the unique experience of ancient drama in its natural setting.
The Gold Coin:
The Reverse of the €50 (Fifty Euro) Gold Proof Coin depicts a stylised impression of an actor's face (mask).
The inscriptions on the lower periphery are - "50 EURO" (in Greek) and the year of issue "2022". A Privy Mark appears to the right of the stylised face.
The Obverse of the €50 (Fifty Euro) Gold Proof Coin depicts the two layered ancient theatre of Epidaurus in the centre - with seating arrangements & stage and mentions its name in Greek.
The mint mark of the Hellenic Mint is below the theatre image.
On the lower periphery is inscribed - "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΕΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" which is pronounced as - "(H)ellenik(eh) Democratia" (meaning the "Greek Democracy".
The specification of the €50 (Fifty Euro) Gold Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Greece ; Date/Year: 2022; Coin Series Theme: "Cultural Heritage"; Coin Theme: "The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus"; Denomination/Face Value: €50 (Fifty Euro); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Weight: 1.00 gram; Diameter/Size: 14.00 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Minted By: Mint of Greece, on behalf of the Bank of Greece; Edge: Plain; Mintage: 1,500 pieces; Designer: M. Antonatou.
Packaging: Each Gold Proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a Presentation wooden box and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
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
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