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Friday, 30 June 2023

2901) Maria Callas (02.12.1923-16.09.1977), Republic of Greece: 100 Years of the Birth of Maria Callas ("100 ΧΡΌΝΙΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗ ΓΈΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΑΡΊΑΣ ΚΆΛΛΑΣ"-1923-2023): Bank of Greece has released a €2 Commemorative Coin in 3 Variants on the Opera Diva: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023:

2901) Maria Callas (02.12.1923-16.09.1977), Republic of Greece: 100 Years of the Birth of Maria Callas ("100 ΧΡΌΝΙΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗ ΓΈΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΑΡΊΑΣ ΚΆΛΛΑΣ"-1923-2023): Bank of Greece has released a €2 Commemorative Coin in 3 Variants on the Opera Diva: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023:

The Header/Banner showcases the Reverse of the Bi-metallic Coin against a background representation of Maria Callas (1923-2023) facing left in one of her onstage performances.

The Bank of Greece has issued €2 Commemorative Coins on one of the world’s greatest opera stars of the 20th century

Maria Callas was a Greek soprano who was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.

During her lifetime and beyond, Maria Callas (1923–1977) was adored by both the public and critics alike for her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations. 

Her repertoire ranged from serious classical opera to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and, further, to the masterpieces of Verdi and Puccini and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. 

Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina ("the Divine one").

The Commemorative Coins:

The €2 coins have been minted by the Bank of Greece’s own minting facilities in Athens and have been designed by George Stamatopoulos. 

On the Reverse of the €2 Bi-metallic Coins is depicted an effigy of Maria Callas in profile facing right, and she is shown wearing a six-strand pearl choker and drop earrings. 

The text surrounding the portrait reads "100 ΧΡΌΝΙΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΗ ΓΈΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΑΡΊΑΣ ΚΆΛΛΑΣ" (meaning - “100 years of the birth of Maria Callas”). 

Below the portrait is the issuing authority "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ" (“Hellenic Republic”), and to the centre right is the year of issue "2023", along with the palmette mintmark of the Greek Mint. 

The Obverse of the €2 Bi-metallic Coins presents the standard Euro-zone design for all circulating two-Euro Coins, with the numeral 2 superimposed over a map depicting Europe, created by artist Luc Luycx.

The specifications of the Bi-metallic Coin Variants are:

i) €2 coins ( Two Euro) Bi-metallic Coin Variant:

Country of issue: Republic of Greece; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value€2 coins (Two Euro); Metal Composition: Bi-metallic; Weight: 8.50 grams (x 3 Variants); Diameter/Size: 25.70 mm (x 3 Variants); Coin Quality: Uncirculated (U) + Brilliant Uncirculated (BU + Proof (P); Mint: Bank of Greece minting facilities in AthensMintage: Uncirculated - 741,000 pieces + Brilliant Uncirculated - 6,000 pieces + Proof - 3,000 pieces: Designer: George Stamatopoulos.

- A total mintage of 750,000 commemorative coins has been authorised for release, with 9,000 pieces divided between Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof strikes

- The Brilliant Uncirculated Coin is presented in a sealed coin-card format with illustrations and text

- The Proof-quality Coin is encapsulated and presented in a branded Bank of Greece custom case accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).



Other interesting posts on Greek Coinage and Commemorative Coins:

 2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history 


















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