To say it right away, particularities can even be found regarding normal circulation coins of 2002 from Greece. However, that does not mean that they all are mint error coins, as ignorant dealers state online. Some of these features were created intentionally and there were good reasons for it. Even today, it is still worth looking for such pieces in your change. The 2 euro commemorative coins of the country display just as many interesting features, and every now and then you can find them even in north and central Europe. In this article, I want to give you some hints and gathered information on particular 2 euro commemorative coins from Greece.
Greek 2 Euro Circulation Coins
Greece was one of the countries to introduce the euro as its sole currency in 2002. The reverse design (RV) meets the requirements set for all euro countries. The obverse (OBV) features Zeus (depicted as a bull) who abducts Europa. Euro circulation coins have been minted since 2002 (see also: Particularities). In 2004, 2007 and 2011 no 2 euro circulation coins were produced although coin sets were issued in those years. All coins (apart from those of 2002, see: Particularities), are produced in the Greek National Mint in Chalandri.
Just like 2 euro commemorative coins, all 2 euro circulation coins consist of a ring made of cupronickel. The core is made of nickel brass with a nickel core (CuNi / Ni, CuNiZn plated). All pieces can slightly be attracted by a magnet at the centre.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 8.50 g
- Diameter: 25.75 mm
- Reeded edge
- All pieces from Greece feature the inscription “ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ” (Hellenic Republic) followed by a star next to the reeded edge.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces aren’t official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency. Since the Greek mint was unable to produce the vast volume of euro coins for 2002 alone, the Mint of Finland also created 2 euro circulation coins for 2002 on behalf of Greece. To distinguish these issues from the pieces minted in Greece, Finland added an “S” (for Suomi) on the star between the digits of the year. Attention: some dealers advertise these specimens as mint error coins – which they are not! There are offers encouraging collectors to pay up to 16,000 euros for these alleged “error coins” featuring the S! Let’s hope that no ignorant buyer will fall for it. On 2011 coins and later issues, the 12 EU stars on the ring on the OBV are a bit smaller, the year is a little bigger.
Mint Error Coins
So far, only coins with minor punching errors have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can be found in circulation every now and then. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 4 and 10 euros. Prices for 2002 coins from the Finnish mint with the “S” start at 5 euros. Punching error coins can be purchased for 10 to 20 euros.
Summer Olympics in Athens, 2004
In 2004, Greece was the first euro country to issue a 2 euro commemorative coin on the occasion of the Olympics. The obverse features the well-known ancient statue of a discus thrower.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces aren’t official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 4 and 10 euros.
Joint Issues of the Eurozone
Greece participated in all four joint issues of the eurozone of 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015. So far, no mint error coins have been found. These pieces are hardly ever found in circulation. On the secondary market, the prices for mint state specimens range from 6 to 10 euros.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens, 2011
This commemorative coin was issued for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. The obverse features an olive branch representing the achievements of the athletes. The spiral at the centre symbolises strength.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces aren’t official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 3.50 and 7 euros.
2400th Anniversary of the Founding of Plato’s Academy, 2013
The OBV features a portrait of Plato, who founded the ancient philosophic academy in Athens.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces aren’t official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 5 and 10 euros.
100 Year Anniversary of the Unification of Crete with Greece, 2013
By means of the Treaty of London, Crete unified with Greece in 1913. The OBV depicts Cretan rebels waving the Greek flag.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2 euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or even gilded pieces aren’t official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, keep looking for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. On the secondary market, prices for mint state specimens range between 7 and 12 euros.
In the online database Cosmos of Collectibles, you can find all Greek 2 euro coins.
And if you do not want to miss out on any Greek (or other) new issues, subscribe to the Cosmos of Collectibles newsletter, which is published every fortnight.
The author numiscontrol has already dealt with the rarities among 2 euro commemorative coins of other countries. too. Here you can read his articles for the coins from
- Estonia and
- Austria (in German).
Particularly valuable are euro coins with “turning stars”, here you find out which pieces are worth several thousand euros.
Find out more about our author numiscontrol, alias Reiner Graff, in our who’s who.
The collecting expert made it his mission to introduce beginners to the world of coin collecting – here you can read his series “Coin Care in Simple Terms”.
