Euro in Greece

The coin of the 2 euro depicts a scene from a mosaic in Sparta (third century AD), showing Europa being abducted by Zeus, who has taken the form of a bull. Europa is a figure from Greek mythology after whom Europe was named. Edge lettering of the €2 coin: Hellenic Republic.

The image of the owl featured in the coin of the 1 euro was copied from an ancient Athenian 4-drachma coin (fifth century BC).

Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936), one of Greece’s most prominent political figures, is shown on 50 cent coin. He was a pioneer in social reform, a renowned diplomat and played a key role in modernising the Greek state and liberating Northern Greece and the Aegean islands.

The coin of the 20 cent commemorates Ioannis Capodistrias (1776-1831), a leading national and European politician and diplomat who became the first Governor of Greece (1830-31) following the Greek War of Independence (1821-27).

Rigas Fereos (Velestinlis) (1757-98) is featured on the coin of 10cent. He was a forerunner and leading figure of the Greek enlightenment, as well as a visionary and herald of Balkan liberation from Ottoman rule.

5 cent coins shows a modern sea-going tanker, reflecting the innovative spirit of Greek shipping.

Depicted on the coin of 2 cents is a corvette, a type of ship used during the Greek War of Independence (1821-27).

1 cent design features an advanced model of an Athenian trireme, the largest warship afloat for more than 200 years, dating from the time of the Athenian democracy (fifth century BC).