Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Drachmai 1976-1980, KM# 120, Greece
  • 20 Drachmai 1976-1980, KM# 120, Greece, Type A: triangle in the pediment
  • 20 Drachmai 1976-1980, KM# 120, Greece, Type B: circle in the pediment
Obverse

Depicts a portrait in the left profile of Pericles, wearing a helmet and surrounded by his name.

Pericles (c. 495 – 429 BC) was a Greek statesman and general of Athens during its golden age. Pericles was prominent and influential in Athenian politics, particularly between the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and was acclaimed by Thucydides, a contemporary historian, as "the first citizen of Athens". He turned the Delian League into an Athenian empire and led his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War. The period during which he led Athens, roughly from 461 to 429 BC, is sometimes known as the "Age of Pericles", but the period thus denoted can include times as early as the Persian Wars or as late as the following century.

The unusually large size of Pericles' skull became a popular target of contemporary comedians. Although Plutarch claims that this deformity was the reason that Pericles was always depicted wearing a helmet, this is not the case; the helmet was actually the symbol of his official rank as strategos (general).

Engraver: Th. Papagiannis

ΠΕΡΙΚΛΗΣ

Reverse

Depicts the Temple of Athena Nike, surrounded by the country name (Hellenic Republic). The facial value with old spelling (Drachmai) and year below.

The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent position on a steep bastion at the southwest corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance, the Propylaea. In contrast to the Acropolis proper, a walled sanctuary entered through the Propylaea, the Victory Sanctuary was open, entered from the Propylaea's southwest wing and from a narrow stair on the north. The sheer walls of its bastion were protected on the north, west, and south by the Nike Parapet, named for its frieze of Nikai celebrating victory and sacrificing to their patroness, Athena and Nike.

Engraver: L. Orphanos

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
ΔΡΑΧΜΑΙ
19 20 76

Edge

Hellenic Republic

Variations exist in orientation and alignment of edge inscription (whether the text is readable with obverse or reverse facing up)

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ

20 Drachmai

Old Lettering
KM# 120 Schön# 63
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 11.15 g
Diameter 29 mm
Thickness 2.25 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Bank of Greece

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