Greek Commemorative 2014

Details relating to the Greek Commemorative of 2014.

Issue Date: 24.09.2014

Number Minted: 750,000

Mint: National Mint Halandri

Mint Mark : Acanthus Leaf.

---

This coin commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece.

A very attractive and interesting coin!

In the centre of the inner circle is a seven pointed star, between the points of which are seven symbols representing the seven IIonian islands.

Clockwise from top, the visuals symbolize the following islands:

i)  — Corfu's emblem is the "Άπήδαλος Nαῦς" a ship without steering gear - as great nautical powers were attributed to the island and its sailors were well known for their nautical abilities

ii) —Zakynthos is represented by the sacrificial tripod of Apollo

iii) —Ithaca: Odysseus is depicted with the anciant hat Pileus

iv)— Paxi's emblem is a trident: according to a mythological tale, it was created when Poseidon hit the island of Corfu with his trident, splitting it in two

v)— Kythira, the island of celestial Aphrodite, depicted on a scallop, symbolizing her 'emergence from the sea'

vi)— Lefkada is represented by the 'Apollonian harp' ("Απολλώνια Άρπα")

vii)— Cephalonia's emblem is its mythical – eponymous – hero Cephalus.

 

Within the seven pointed star is the following inscription:

150 XPONIA AΠO THN ENΩΣH TΩN EΠTANHΣΩN ME THN EɅɅAΔA 1864 – 2014 EɅɅHNIKH ΔMOKPATIA (More than 150 years since the union of Western and Eastern in Greek democracy)

Translation with help of dictionary and very imperfect knowledge – if any native Greek speakers send an improved translation that would be great!

In the bottom spike of the star is the mint mark and between seven and eight o’clock is the sign of the designer.

Return from Greek Commemorative 2014 to euro coin collector.

---