Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Drachmes 1982-1984, KM# 134, Greece
  • 50 Drachmes 1982-1984, KM# 134, Greece
Description

Cupronickel 50 drachmae were introduced in 1980. In 1982, the spelling of the plural of drachma was changed from drachmae (δραχμαί) to drachmas (δραχμές).

Engraver: V. Sampatakos

Obverse

Depicts the portrait in left profile of Solon, his name below, initials of the engraver below the portrait.

Solon (Greek: Σόλων Sólōn; c.  630 – c.  560 BC) was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short-term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. He wrote poetry for pleasure, as patriotic propaganda, and in defence of his constitutional reform.

Modern knowledge of Solon is limited by the fact that his works only survive in fragments and appear to feature interpolations by later authors and by the general paucity of documentary and archaeological evidence covering Athens in the early 6th century BC. Ancient authors such as Herodotus and Plutarch are the main sources but wrote about Solon long after his death. 4th-century orators, such as Aeschines, tended to attribute to Solon all the laws of their own, much later times. The English word solon (meaning "wise lawmaker") derives from his name.

ΣΟΛΩΝ
B.Σ.

Reverse

Depicts facial value above the sea, surrounded by the inscription Hellenic Republic and date below.

Sign of Athens Mint (stylized acanthus leaf) on the bottom.

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
50
ΔΡΑΧΜΕΣ
1982

Edge

50 Drachmes

New Lettering
KM# 134 Schön# 87
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 12 g
Diameter 31 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Bank of Greece

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