4090) "50th Anniversary of Athens War Museum", Hellenic Republic of Greece: 5 Euro Silver Proof-Like Coins mark the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 2025:
The Bank of Greece release new collector coins marking an important landmark anniversary.
The distinctive museum building features on the Reverse.
To honour all those who fought for Greece’s freedom, the Government made the decision in 1964 to establish a War Museum in Athens.
The required legislation to finalise the project was approved in March 1969, and to move ahead with the physical existence of a specific space.
At the same time, it was decided that the museum building would be erected on the site of an old artillery campsite.
Coincidentally, the War Museum is located in one of the most central locations of Athens, with the wider area of its location having been selected as far back as 1959.
The location is part of the so-called ‘Cultural Centre of Athens’, a large public area or, hub of cultural activities that include libraries, museums, galleries, theatres, concert buildings, a conservatory, educational institutions and much more.
However, the initial plan was delayed by several years owing to political instability and the Military junta in power from 1967 until 1973.
Ultimately the plan was able to proceed during the later years of the junta with financing and supervision of the Ministry of National Defence.
Construction of the Bauhaus-style building commenced in 1972, designed by architect Thucydides Valentis, professor at the National Technical University of Athens.
Valentis integrated the building with the modern international standards of that period and specific to the requirements of museums but with a very modern approach.
The construction was completed in early 1975 and the inauguration of the War Museum took place on the 18th July officiated by the President of the Hellenic Republic.
The initial core of the museum’s acquisitions and displays was part of the objects of the great exhibition on the War History of the Greeks, held in Zappeion in 1968.
Also a cornerstone of the objects on show was the precious collection of Petros Saroglou, which consisted of thousands of rare weapons and weapons’ components from various historical periods.
In the following years, the War Museum proceeded with the purchase from individuals and by various institutions of a number of works of art, archival material or relics related to the object of its exhibition spaces.
Since the opening of the Museum, their mission has been to collect, preserve and exhibit war memorabilia as well as the study, documentation and archiving the struggles of the Greek nation since antiquity and to nurture historical memory and showcase the historical continuity and unity of the Hellenic culture.
Presently on display are memorabilia from all the periods of Greek military history, with historical, photographic and film archive sections. Pride of place is given to the Saroglou collection of weaponry from around the world.
The Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and has branches in Thessaloniki and several other cities.
The Silver Coin:
The silver proof-like quality coins have been minted by the Hellenic Mint at their facilities in Athens on behalf of the Bank of Greece and designed by Leda Pavli.
The Reverse of the 5 Euro Silver Coin features a corner image of the Building in Athens in the centre.
Above the primary design along the periphery is the commemorative text "50 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΙΔΡΥΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΟΛΕΜΙΚΟΥ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟΥ" ("50 years since the founding of the War Museum").
Below is the distinctive "palmette mintmark of the Greek Mint" along with the denomination "5 EYPΩ" ("5 Euro").
The Obverse of the 5 Euro Silver Coin side features various elements of weaponry dating from antiquity to the present including helmets, swords, cannons, utility belt and fighter airplanes.
The crest of the Hellenic Republic including the text "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΊΑ" ("Hellenic Republic") encircling the shield is positioned near the lower right and the year of issue, "2025" is seen just to the lower left.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Limited Mintage
5 Euro .333 Silver 17 g. 31 mm. Proof-like 2000
- Each proof-like and colour coin is encapsulated and presented in a colourful folder and slipcase with informative text and illustrations.
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
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful and informative post 👍"
Thank you so much, Trikha sahab.
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