EURO (Ευρω)
(updated August 5, 2007)Like in most European countries the EURO is used in Greece. As each country in the Euro zone, Greece has its own coins. The pictures on the back of the Greek coins are dealing with the history of the country.
Greek coins
On the coins of 1, 2 and 5 cents ships are depicted. This symbolizes the link between the Greeks and the sea. On the coin of 1 cent a state Athenian trireem depicted. From the fifth to the third century BC this type of galley was the largest warship in the world. On the currency of two cents you'll find a picture of one of the three types of corvette which were used during the struggle for independence against the Turks between 1821 and 1927. On the currency of 5 cents a modern supertanker is depicted. This symbolizes the innovative nature of the Greek shipping industry.
On the coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents you'll find the portraits of those who have been important in the history of the country. On the currency of 10 cents, the face of Rigas Velestinlis - Fereos (1757-1798). He was a supporter of the liberation of the Balkans. He is seen as a martyr because he was killed by Ottoman / Turkish command. Ioannis Capodistrias (1776-1831) is depicted on the currency of 20 cents. He was the first governor of Greece and the founder of the struggle for the independence of the country. On the currency of 50 cents is the in Mournies on Crete derived Eleftherios Venizelos (1874-1936) depicted. Venizelos was a key diplomat for the country. Especially during and after the First World War, he was important. He also played a major role in the foundation of modern Greece.
On the coins of 1 and 2 euro mythological images can be found. On the coin of 1 euro is an Athenian owl depicted. The Athenian owl symbolizes the goddess of wisdom and is the patron of Athens (Athina). On the two-euro coin Zeus is depicted in the form of a bull. On his back is the virgin Europe who was abducted by the amorous Zeus. The image comes from a mosaic from the third century BC. On the side of the coin you'll find letters, the text means: "Hellenic Republic".
On the occasion of the Olympic Games in 2004 in Athens, a special coin of 2 Euros is produced. This one depicts a classic image of a discus thrower.
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